Examines the response of a large racially mixed urban California school community to the tension between excellence and equity in public education and describes how 319 African American students experienced school reform, including detracking. Findings indicate the potential of detracking for real educational improvement. (SLD)

Provides an overview of school choice strategies. Examines the possible impact of choice on African American and poor children. Reviews recently passed Wisconsin legislation that allows for state-funded private school choice for a selected number of poor and minority children, thus addressing the needs of educationally disenfranchised groups. (AF)

Advances the following premises: (1) the thinking skills of low achievers should be cultivated as much as those of high achievers; (2) low achievers can be taught higher order thinking skills; and (3) the cultivation of effective thinking skills is at least as important as mastery of basics. Presents five recommendations for change. (AF)

Provides a legislative view of the development of the Wisconsin Parental Choice Plan mandated for the city of Milwaukee, placing this initiative in the context of the educational needs of African American children. Argues that legislators must target the complex needs of poor and ethnic minority students in urban schools. (AF)

D. M. Stewart draws no implications for connecting African history and culture to academic achievement. Racism continues to exist; and only education that leads to cultural liberation, political solidarity, and economic strengths will prevail against it. Howard University must see itself as a center for academic and cultural excellence. (SLD)

Reviews the performance of large school districts, particularly those of New York City, and argues that their relatively poor performance is caused by fundamental tensions among effective school practices and the nature of large systems. Alternative means of encouraging school independence are considered, and the most noteworthy of these are…

D. M. Stewart does not adequately portray the problems, or sufficiently assess socioeconomic and political realities with respect to African Americans today. The lack of neutrality and objectivity in standardized tests must be recognized, and alternative forms of assessment are imperative to provide equal access to education for African Americans.…

Applies the opportunity to learn conceptual framework to previously collected multiple-case study data from a 3-year study of an academic intervention program in 10 urban Chapter 1 elementary schools. Also illustrates how the multiple-case study approach can be used as an explanatory research tool. (SLD)

African-American students are beginning to make significant educational strides as measured by tests like the Scholastic Aptitude Test. Stereotypes of race and racism in the United States are exploding, and African Americans must continue to demand universal quality education. The role of Howard University in making this happen is explored. (SLD)

Identifies the need for educational reformers to address the psychological problems of low-income urban and rural minority students. It is argued that the educational reform movement must be much more proactive in using the existing knowledge base of counseling and psychological support services personnel. (SLD)