Highlights qualitative studies from two preschools that view the framework of literacy use as socially constructed and embedded in social and cultural perspectives and practices of communities. Suggests ways to strengthen early-childhood programs, including greater use of writing and drawing materials readily available, additional orientation to…

In this research we examined associations among teacher-articulated beliefs and practices about families, teacher background characteristics, and observed teaching practices in programs that served low-income children and families of color. One hundred and fifty four children (50% girls) and their primary teachers from 12 programs in Los Angeles…

This paper examines the challenges faced as higher education institutions consider integrating their commitment to service with their commitment to diversity efforts. Findings from four case studies of small- and medium-size private institutions explore the connections and divergences among institutional mission, campus leadership, curriculum…

This publication sets forward the California State Postsecondary Education Commission's historical and present perspective on educational equity in California higher education and was prompted by Governor Wilson's June 1, 1995 Executive Order to End Preferential Treatment and to Promote Individual Opportunity Based on Merit (Executive Order…

This paper presents findings of a study that investigated the extent to which homeless children in the United States receive the "free and appropriate education" to which they are entitled. Data were collected through several surveys conducted in two San Francisco Bay Area counties: (1) surveys of parents in homeless shelters with 313…

A study investigated how schools and teachers attempt to meet the needs of language minority students and to utilize literature as a means to teach English language reading to students while building their English language capacities. Language arts and reading instruction was observed in 12 third- through fifth-grade classrooms in three elementary…

The California State Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights held an open meeting in east Los Angeles in June 1967, to collect information about civil rights problems in the Mexican American community. The meeting dealt particularly with problems in education. Specific problems presented by parents, students, and community…

A presentation on socio-cultural-attitudinal characteristics of migrants and the impact of education is one of a series of lectures given during the pre-service phase of a 2-year Teacher Corps training program. An outline of the cultural differences which exist between the Mexican American and the Anglo American reveals differences in personality…

On a measure of conflict between home and school values relating to 4 areas in which cultures can be shown to conflict (Locus of Control, Activity Orientation, Time Orientation, and Authority Relationships) 481 ninth grade students from 5 ethnic groups in a variety of California school settings were studied and alientation from school values was…

The goal of this report is to introduce the kinds of data and the kinds of reports which are useful in the process of desegregating schools. In September of 1971, the San Francisco Unified School District desegregated its elementary schools. That it was able to open these schools in semi-normal fashion was due in large part to the services…

In an ethnically diverse California high school, high-risk migrant students persevere in school in significantly higher numbers than nonmigrant Mexican American classmates. Migrant Education Program staff foster a sense of belonging and community and facilitate student engagement through caring relationships with students, student access to…

Reports a study of on-the-job special education trainees' perceptions regarding job satisfactions and challenges, congruence between expectations and reality of working conditions, and predicted commitment to special education. Results indicated 48 percent would eventually leave special education. (SM)

Low-income Hispanic elementary students were surveyed to determine tobacco use patterns and sociobehavioral correlates. Tobacco experimentation rates increased by age, with boys more prone to starting than girls. Being offered cigarettes was the strongest environmental indicator of tobacco use, followed by having adult smokers at home, and having…

Two years after California's ban on racial and gender preferences became law, supporters and opponents of affirmative action are debating the impact on college faculty diversity. Some institutions have maintained slow but steady growth in minority faculty; diversity at others has declined. Some say that not all effects of the change, including…

Reducing K-3 class size is highly recommended and broadly supported, though there are challenges with finding enough qualified teachers and providing enough classroom space. Research indicates that K-3 students in smaller classes do better academically, with minority and low-income students showing the greatest gains. The paper examines…