Uses matched data from the restricted-use National Educational Longitudinal Survey and the Common Core of Data to hierarchically model the simultaneous influences of family/peer and educational institutional processes on the Black-White gap in achievement among high school students. Suggests strong linkages between family/peer group attributes and…

A cumulative risk model was used to examine the relationship among failure-to-thrive (FIT), maltreatment, and four aspects of children's development (cognitive performance, adaptive functioning at school, classroom behavior, and behavior at home) in 193 6-year-olds. Risk status was negatively associated with the four developmental outcomes.…

In this special section, various authors (in separate articles) discuss the new face of school segregation; socioeconomic integration--a plan to mix poor and middle-class students; and ways to bridge the minority achievement gap, teach linguistically diverse students, and identify and nurture the gifted poor. (MLH)

The witness argues that the state of Missouri has discriminated against black children in St. Louis, and that losing the desegregation funding given through the state would have detrimental effects on the quality of education in the city. Calculations are offered in support of this argument. (SLD)

Summarizes the responses of 38 Canadian principals and inner-city teachers reflecting on their experiences with students exhibiting resiliency. Resiliency is defined as overcoming social and personal disadvantages often through protective or compensatory strategies. Identifies a broad range of compensatory factors including human relationships,…

Nine poor, adolescent, Appalachian girls--six of them Black--participated in a program that used math and science attitudes and achievement as vehicles to enhance life opportunities. Interviews explored their aspirations, support groups, gender relations, self-concepts, and resistance efforts in school. Girls should be taught to recognize and…

A general equilibrium schooling model shows that greater school efficiency is complementary with more equal opportunity, increased overall learning, more integration, stable teacher salaries, and fewer course preparations per teacher. Transferring students to area schools with curricula suited to their abilities would secure these ends. (Contains…

Business, community members, and county government cooperated in establishing a literacy center in Catoosa County, Georgia, that provides free GED classes; courses in English, math, basic reading, computer skills, and parenting; and classes offered by a local technical college. Free classes, child care, and GED tests and a flexible schedule remove…

Energy Express is a summer reading and nutrition program for disadvantaged young children in 80 rural West Virginia communities. College student/AmeriCorps mentors support childrens' literacy by creating a print-rich environment, using a place-based curriculum, and providing activities, including a community service project. Two case studies…

By focusing on advantages inherent in what are typically considered disadvantages for rural schools, 14 rural, southern California school districts cooperated in implementing a successful inquiry-based elementary science program. Isolation and low population density resulted in a stable teaching force familiar with the community, and the area's…

Evaluates the impact of education policy initiatives on academic achievement and educational equity for Latino students, particularly bilingual learners. Examines the impact of California's Proposition 227 and concurrent laws regarding promotion and retention and approaches to literacy instruction. Suggests that the impact of state and federal…

A Seattle (Washington) initiative is dedicated to building a system for out-of-school care, especially for low income, minority families. In this interview, the program coordinator describes how area out-of-school providers cooperated to train staff, train trainers, and elevate the field to a profession. Major issues that affect program quality…

Describes the conditions that prompted the filing of a federal lawsuit on behalf of students attending high-minority schools in New York State alleging that the state's education system violates the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964. Examines the academic achievement of children in high- versus low-minority schools, noting educational policies,…

Describes efforts such as diversity tolerance, gang resistance, and summer youth programs at Walnut Middle School (Nebraska) to help reduce incidents of bullying and violence. States that the number of assaults dropped from 146 in 1998-99 to 51 in 2000-2001, after the anti-violence campaign was implemented. (Contains 12 references.) (NB)

Examines the history of students who cannot do what educators want them to do, noting how educators have labeled poor performers in different periods and how these labels reflect both attitudes and institutional conditions. The paper summarizes four major historical explanations for why children fail and explores implications of this history for…