Researchers and journalists have documented the challenges confronting the nation's rural communities--dwindling populations, few employment opportunities, the opioid crisis, and a lack of public investment. However, there are many rural communities that are surmounting these obstacles and helping their young people build a brighter future. The…

This directory lists more than 700 not-for-profit associations, organizations, and mutual assistance and fraternal groups of color in the state of Minnesota. Organizations listed are controlled by people of color or serve one or more communities of color. The directory includes religious organizations and tribal governments, but not for-profit…

A research project was conducted between April and December of 1998 to learn about the experiences of the sizable numbers of Latinos who live in Dakota County (Minnesota). This diverse group was studied through examining existing demographic information, conducting interviews with 45 Latino and Anglo individuals, and conducting several focus…

Health concerns facing adolescents of color in Minnesota were studied through survey responses of 126,000 public schools students in grades 6, 9, and 12 who participated in the 1995 Minnesota Student Survey. These findings were supplemented by focus group discussions held with 90 young people from Minneapolis and St. Paul. Survey results are…

Physical activity levels in girls decline dramatically during adolescence, most profoundly among minorities. To explore ethnic and racial variation in attitudes toward physical activity, semistructured interviews (n = 80) and physical activity checklists (n = 130) are conducted with African American, Hispanic, and Caucasian middle school girls in…

The Minnesota Program for Victims of Sexual Assault conducted a 9-month training program for racial minority human service professionals from September 1983 through May 1984. The objectives of the project were to improve the identification, intervention, and treatment of sexual assault victims and their families. The project targeted Blacks,…

Addresses the political and policy environment that has shaped the educational agenda for rising U.S. state accountability systems, highlighting these policies' effects on the limited-English-proficient learner. The hope for language-minority students lies in pressures on school officials to narrow the white/minority achievement gap. (Contains 64…

This report examines the contributions, work experiences, dreams, living conditions, and fears of Hispanic immigrants living in Minnesota and shows how the state of Minnesota can be more welcoming and supportive of new immigrants through changes in laws, public policies, and attitudes. Information is presented based on interviews with 222 adults…

"Straight A's: Public Education Policy and Progress" is a biweekly newsletter that focuses on education news and events both in Washington, DC and around the country. The following articles are included in this issue: (1) "Chance Favors the Prepared Mind": Report Finds that Students in the Highest-Achieving States Score As Well…

This report presents an overview of social and economic census data on African Americans, American Indians, Asians, and Chicanos/Latinos in the seven county metropolitan area of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Among the findings are the following: (1) communities of color made up 9.2 percent of the total metropolitan area population in 1980; (2) poverty…

This report examines high school dropout and college participation rates in Minnesota and their relationship to such socioeconomic factors as race, family income, and parental education. The analysis uses data provided by the Minnesota Department of Education, the Higher Education Coordinating Board, Minnesota Planning, the Census Bureau, and the…

The National Association of State Scholarship and Grant Programs/National Council of Higher Education Loan Programs conference on student aid is reported. Following the conference agenda and lists of registrants and conference speakers, the following papers are presented: (1) "Reinterpretation of Hansen's Census Data" (John B. Lee); (2)…

This document is the report of one phase of a Minnesota study to examine the problem of misrepresentation and overrepresentation of African American, American Indian, and Latino students in special education. This phase of the study involved eight professional focus groups who examined four broad areas: factors contributing to minority…

This document is the report of one phase of a Minnesota study to examine the problem of misrepresentation and overrepresentation of African American, American Indian, and Latino students in special education. Phase 2 of the study involved seven focus groups comprised of minority parents throughout rural and urban areas of Minnesota. Focus groups…

The eight schools profiled in this document are serving different populations, but all of them are closing the achievement gap between low-income, minority, and special needs students and their peers. By trying out innovative new strategies, these schools are blazing a trail for others to follow. They are dispelling the myth that some students can…