We examine the influence of income segregation on a resource vital to young children's development: a family's access to books in early childhood. Income segregation reflects the growing economic segregation of neighborhoods for people living in privilege (1%) compared with those in poverty or near-poverty (20%). After describing recent…

This qualitative study documents urban youth participation in a community-based out-of-school youth writing program that cultivated participants' dialogues, identities, and writings. The study documents participants' perspectives as contributors and beneficiaries of a neighborhood revitalization effort. Analysis of excerpts from breakout sessions,…

Amplified by a global political climate of fear, oppression, and increased nationalism, this article examines how U.S. secondary students in a digital media elective course used multimodal composition, and video production in particular, as a nexus of 'participatory politics.' By partnering theories of multiliterate expression with youth civic…

Examines the views of urban youth on violence and attitudes about schools and education with data obtained through a survey and focus groups. Results between groups on items measuring views about violence were statistically significant. Proposes that school social workers can help youths work with school and community leaders to effect needed…

This study traced the relationships among demographic change, political change, and education in: Atlanta, Georgia; Baltimore, Maryland; Detroit, Michigan; and the District of Columbia. Although each city is different and has experienced periods of enthusiasms for school reform, all four cities are dealing with objective indicators of educational…

Examines race-related factors of racial discrimination, racial context, and having White friends and these factors' impact on life satisfaction for 312 African American adults in Detroit (Michigan). Results show that experiencing discrimination is associated with lower levels of life satisfaction, while attending school in predominantly white…

This paper describes a study of African-American families (N=10) that have one son in placement in a youth facility. The paper investigates the social context of behavioral problems among these Detroit youth, exploring the challenges faced by low-income minority families. Participants in the study described critical events in their lives, and…

Research findings show that, compared with Black, Polish, and other ethnic urban youth, urban Appalachian teenagers exhibit greater symptomatic behavior indicating severe difficulties in coping with urban environments. Particularly striking among these patterns, which hold for both females and males, is the heavy drug use among Appalachian youth.…

This paper analyzes an understudied dimension of inner-city education--the diverse nature of women's personal experiences and levels of success in school and the kinds of supportive resources they receive. The data are from qualitative interviews with 53 black teen mothers and their nonparent peers who reside in Detroit (Michigan) or Milwaukee…

Project PIT (Program of Industrial Training) was a pilot and demonstration program of industrial training for Detroit's innercity youth. Its major aims were to provide youth with occupational information and guidance, to help youth see the need for a good education, to provide these youth with financial means to return to school, and to make…

Summer of Service, a national summer service learning program for early adolescents is described. The three tenets of this program--intentional design, youth empowerment, and the opportunity to be of use--combine to make a powerful learning experience. Student input is involved at every stage of the program, and learning is incorporated through a…

The 15-year effort to decentralize New York City public schools and thereby implement basic changes in the school system is briefly sketched in this study. The structure of the school system, powers of local boards, central board, and chancellor, school board elections, keeping the public informed, educational impact, and effect on truancy and…

This book examines, via a case study involving fifth, sixth, and seventh graders: (1) the struggle of teaching literacy in a racially divided society, (2) the importance of story and storytelling in the educational process, and (3) how storytelling is an interactive experience for both the teller and listener. In addition, the book reveals how…

IN THIS STUDY OF EXPERIMENTAL AND DEMONSTRATION BASIS EDUCATION PROJECTS FOR DISADVANTAGED YOUTHS, VISITS WERE MADE TO THE JOB UPGRADING PROJECT (NORTH RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA), THE MAYOR'S YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROJECT (DETROIT), THE LANE COUNTY YOUTH PROJECT (EUGENE, OREGON), JOB OPPORTUNITIES, THROUGH BETTER SKILLS (CHICAGO), THE YMCA…