To help future teachers understand how problems of poverty, abuse, and indifferent medical care affect children's learning, the elementary education faculty at SUNY-College at Oneonta (New York) instituted a new graduation requirement called "Early Field Experiences." Elementary education majors must complete 40 hours of field…

The effects of stressful experiences on the psychological well-being of 113 homeless women and 116 low-income housed women were investigated. Measures of victimization assessed multiple dimensions of this construct, including criminal victimization, sexual harassment, and sexual abuse. Measures of daily environmental hassles and quality of family…

Presents an integrative model of family development in cultural context as a framework for supporting the optimal development of Latino children and families. Describes two prevention and early intervention programs for Latino parents and children that work from a multidimensional, risk-reduction, and resource-enhancement approach, and focus on…

This article examines the qualities of resilient children from difficult life circumstances who manage to beat the odds and succeed, and it discusses ways teachers can help build these strengths in students. The qualities include interpersonal relationship skills, insight, independence, initiative, creativity, and a sense of moral obligation. (SM)

The ways in which British Afro-Caribbean students used resistance or contestation to negotiate teacher-student power relations are illustrated, using data from an ethnographic study of school exclusions in five English secondary schools. Situated in their wider racial and gendered positions, students' resistance was a response to their experience…

Identified groups of economically disadvantaged children showing high externalizing behavior in first grade that persisted (persistent) or decreased (improver) in third grade, or low first- grade levels that were stable (unproblematic) or increased (new problem) in third grade. Found that verbal ability, behavioral impulsivity, parent…

Statistical evidence, 1980-95, on Scottish secondary students' attainment, achievement, rates of staying on in postcompulsory education, and rates of entering higher education indicates sharp reductions in differences between advantaged and disadvantaged students. Improved access to expanded curricula has been supported by a deeply embedded social…

Reports on a study of second-generation high school students who were children of Cuban and Vietnamese immigrants (relatively advantaged groups) and of Haitian and Mexican immigrants (relatively disadvantaged). Discovers that parents' socioeconomic status, length of stay in the United States, and hours spent on homework affected academic…

Iowa study of 207 nonmetropolitan White female-headed families (each a divorced mother, an adolescent in grade 8-9, and a sibling) found that mothers' ineffective parenting styles were related to community disorganization, both directly and indirectly via negative events, lack of social support, and depression. Community disorganization was highly…

Qualitative analysis of language generated in structured interviews with 11 high-ability at-risk middle school children (who had not been identified for gifted programs) yielded information concerning personal difficulties, perceived support, familiarity with danger and violence, home environment, school experiences, perceptions of the future, and…

The Scottish "New Community Schools" program encourages health, education, and social service agency collaboration to improve outcomes for disadvantaged children. A first-year evaluation indicates that additional funding has enabled new multi-agency initiatives, particularly in health promotion; development of students' personal learning…

This article comments on a study that found children (ages 0-3) who were disadvantaged, from minority groups, or without health insurance were 2 to 30 times more likely to have unmet health care needs. The "medical home" philosophy is discussed, in which medical care is accessible, comprehensive, and family centered. (Contains 8 references.) (CR)

Presents views conveyed to Pennsylvania's State Board of Education about what has been learned from poor and quality practices in early childhood education, and how to apply that knowledge to ensure the best education for young children. Recommends public school classes for preschool-aged children to prevent or remediate environmental and…

Describes a structured 20 week program in which the mastery of one segment in the sequence prepares the student for the next step. Focuses on reading and writing, with touch-typing providing a strong backup. Includes a history and principles of the program and the role of the teacher. (MVL)

Interview with Dr. Louis Sullivan, Secretary of Health and Human Services. Discusses his views on health education, budget, access to health care, minority health, abortion, infant mortality, drugs, the Head Start Program, federal planning effects, and family influences. (JS)