Describes the work of three teachers who are helping minority students share their worlds with others through writing. Describes California kindergartners' journal work, shows how American Indian students write and publish their work, and demonstrates how Hispanic American students in Texas published in a local journal. (JB)

Describes the first phase of the Urban Opportunity Program, which has studied the choices that determine lifetime opportunity for the poor and changes in the performance of urban markets and institutions that have historically supported opportunity. Characteristics of U.S. cities and future directions for the program are discussed. (SLD)

Provides a legislative view of the development of the Wisconsin Parental Choice Plan mandated for the city of Milwaukee, placing this initiative in the context of the educational needs of African American children. Argues that legislators must target the complex needs of poor and ethnic minority students in urban schools. (AF)

Critically examines the claims of the Effective Schools Movement, especially those that pertain to the issue of educational leadership. Offers a critique of the traditional school leadership paradigm, suggesting alternative ways to consider both leadership and the Effective Schools Movement through the perspective of critical educational theory.…

Reviews effective schools research in relation to Catholic schooling for African-American youth, and discusses major issues affecting the survival of urban Catholic schools. Those who benefit from Catholic schooling must plan ahead if these schools are to continue. Parent participation in political and fundraising activities is essential. (SLD)

This case study of a young African-American urban male and his increasing involvement with the criminal justice system illustrates that merely providing opportunities for members of the underclass is not enough. An outlook that allows members of the underclass to invest personal resources in their opportunities must be fostered. (SLD)

Argues that increasing welfare dependence and family breakdown among the poor are not the result of the Great Society social programs but were set to occur before any Great Society policies. Issues long ignored must be faced if today's social problems are to be solved. (SLD)

Argues that counselors need to address disadvantaged students' needs from both academic and personal perspectives. Examines cultural and socioeconomic factors that may contribute to poor academic performance, looks at nonfamily support and the limited resources for disadvantaged African Americans, explores meaning of education to disadvantaged,…

Widespread efforts by colleges and universities to reduce expenses and raise revenues can increase the institution's exposure to risk. Common risks arise from neglect of physical plant, government regulation, financial burdens, campus security and crime, sexual harassment, third-party contracts, staff reduction, failure to educate, and…

Transcript data were analyzed to determine changes in course taking among graduates of high schools including mostly lower achieving students in California, Florida, Missouri, and Pennsylvania, which adopted high graduation requirements in the 1980s. Average credits per student increased in all academic subjects, as did the courses' difficulty…

Describes the Decker Family Development Center (DFDC) in Barberton (Ohio), while relating the difference that the DFDC's services has made to one poor family. Recounts the DFDC's establishment, funding, and current services (adult education, counseling for parents and children, and several types of child care services). (JB)

Describes Public School 146, a public elementary school in New York City where the principal has created a school community that builds on the strengths of the parents and makes the school an extended family for each child. Describes special services, a student leadership program, and student achievement gains. (JB)

Investigates whether and to what extent noncognitive and traditional precollege variables (such as American College Testing scores) predict first-semester grade point average and enrollment factors for 409 African-American males admitted to a predominantly white university through its office of Educational Services and Programs. (SLD)

Argues that multicultural education curricula neither address eliminating racism and its vestiges directly nor provide strategies for empowering minorities to counteract these phenomena. The multicultural education movement has brought some gains and may offer some hope if it manages to become linked to larger movements toward social change. (SLD)

The Academic Programs for Gifted with Excellence and Equity (APOGEE) serves the top 25% of students in various categories, such as disadvantaged, minorities, underachievers, limited English speakers, and students with disabilities. Their teachers have been trained in implementing a student-centered talent development program emphasizing choices,…