This paper analyzes educational and social forces that prevent black males from achieving in school and policies that separate black males by race and gender from the general school population. The policy, social, and legal ramifications of plans for at-risk black male students in New York City, Baltimore (Maryland), Milwaukee (Wisconsin), and…

This paper reviews the research on the social dimensions of literacy acquisition and use, and applies conclusions to the provision of improved literacy training for adults and young people with hearing impairments. Discussion of the social context of literacy considers the ethnography of communication, literacy as cultural practice, and literacy…

This paper presents the findings of a literature review undertaken to identify behaviors and practices demonstrated by successful urban teachers in their preparation for teaching and interacting with students. The literature search focused on competencies for urban teaching and on urban education. The search yielded two broad areas of competence:…

This paper reviews studies on the use of corporal punishment in the nation, particularly in Louisiana public schools, and the impact of corporal punishment on black male students. The paper reviews the recent polls and studies on attitudes toward corporal punishment, noting that approval rates for use of paddling are significantly higher in…

This special report briefly presents information about innovative programs targeted toward at-risk youth in the United States that are provided by many institutional members of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). Twelve model programs out of 250 were selected for the report. Among the issues the programs address…

There is a lack of information about the problems of underclass people and the effects of their situation on their children. Views on this issue were sought from young corporate and community leaders. The responses showed a high level of concern and a need for more knowledge about the effectiveness of early intervention programs for these…

An historical problem in the education of minorities has been that those responsible for minority education have isolated the educational process from the culture of the minority being served. This factor and others (cultural bias, lack of opportunity, and background) have contributed to lower levels of educational attainment of rural minorities…

The extension of the school's role in early education/care is considered here in terms of children ranging from four to eight years of age. The report reviews the historical and philosophical roots of current early childhood practice and the effects of and needs for early childhood programs. In the presence of current financial constraints on…

To what extent can educational technology help schools close achievement gaps? What types of educational technology can administrators, teachers, and students use to help close achievement gaps? What kinds of educational technology practices and policies can help schools close achievement gaps? In order to address these questions, the North…

The new foundations related to the schooling initiatives targeting Mexican Americans in the United States are the focus of this paper. The issues that bring together research, theory and educational policy and practice are outlined. Within the last few decades, research and practice in culture and education have shifted from a focus on…

Looks at the current plight of the African-American male, exploring the role of the dominant culture, mass media, and low self-esteem. Describes a possible cure, citing five areas for action, calling for year-round school in some urban areas, exploring Afrocentric curricula, and considering rites of passage programs. (JB)

Suggests ways to improve child support enforcement. Getting the child support system out of the courts to the extent possible and providing government guarantees of child support are two types of proposals that must be considered. A final necessity is increasing welfare benefits to a subsistence level. (SLD)

Explores interconnected movements to restructure school-family and school-community relationships, focusing on increased parental involvement in school governance, instructional partnerships, school-to-community outreach, and children's service coordination. Emphasizes the national crisis in urban children's lives, complementary societal…

This guide, which includes both English and Spanish versions, explains that a compact is a written statement of what schools and parents are supposed to do to help students achieve. Each school that receives money from the Title I program must have a compact. Title I is the federal aid program that provides funds for extra educational services for…

This paper offers a background of information on children in elementary school in the 1990s and on likely trends in the near future. It focuses particularly on issues relating to students who are at risk for school failure. One section identifies various risk factors that students face when they enter school and estimates the numbers of at-risk…