Describes how a second-grade inner-city class in California, 80% Spanish-speaking and suffering from a severe lack of books and textbooks, became a class of authors, making books themselves. Relates how their classroom library grew to over 400 books in six weeks, with children becoming avid, passionate readers and writers in the process. (SR)

Addresses three critical issues challenging South African and U.S. efforts to improve teacher quality: equity, demographics, and violence. Both countries want education to ameliorate long-standing racial inequities by improving teacher qualifications; both face increasing enrollments and teacher shortages; and both have high crime rates. (Contains…

Asserts that many privileged parents are sacrificing other children to their own and mortgaging their own children's lives. Affluent high-achievers often back ultraconservatives' efforts to derail detracking reforms, believing education is competitive and their children deserve more consideration than have-nots. Principals must appeal to parents'…

The United States has long been concerned with providing equal, quality education for all its citizens. With state-granted equity funding to needy districts comes the responsibility of wise use of equity monies. This study is an example of how three New Jersey districts invested their equity funding in a highly effective early literacy…

Traces shifts in national educational priorities. Argues that the current trend is toward reduced Federal guidance in the area of public education, and greater public support of private schooling. Contends that this trend is an ideological choice rather than a response to economic shifts. (FMW)

Examines present lack of judicial restraint by analyzing "Missouri v. Jenkins," a case upholding a court-ordered tax increase to fund school desegregation. Maintains that elected representatives placate interest groups and abdicate power in favor of the courts when political decisions are unpopular. Questions the implications for future…

Pursuing fiscal input equity will not produce a more equitable society or mitigate children's home and neighborhood environments. Standardizing funding provokes greatest voter dissatisfaction in wealthier districts. Four institutional elements (teachers' unions, school governance, school discipline restrictions, and special education) produce…

Offers statistics showing community colleges to be one of the most cost-effective segments of higher education. Compares figures for public and private two- and four-year colleges with respect to tuition; federal, state, and local revenues; appropriations and grants; student financial aid; tax support; per capita government assistance; and…

This companion piece to a 1997 article examines United States demographic trends, such as diversity by age, "race" and U.S. Census racial classifications, wealth, transiency, suburbanization and sprawl, and immigration, focusing on differences among states and metro regions. Nothing, including achievement scores, social services, and…

Presents statistics on a variety of subjects related to blacks in higher education: (1) survey statistics from the 25 highest-ranked national colleges and universities; (2) effects of actions of the mass media; (3) influence of intact families on black higher education; (4) how affirmative action encourages blacks to attend college; and (5) black…