Chronicles experiences of depression era "Okies," juxtaposes them against experiences of Mexican Americans, and illuminates the diminution of agricultural labor in an industrializing society. Schooling for those groups was legitimized by their low occupational status. When economic circumstances improved, whites escaped from migrant…

Recently, state policy began paying more attention to minority achievement in elementary, secondary, and higher education. The effectiveness of such policy in higher education depends upon institutional commitment and progress in increasing minority participation, retention, and achievement. Dealing with poor student preparation at the elementary…

In discussing the preparation and development of U.S. science teachers, this paper presents a historical overview of events leading to the present situation, describing the current national challenge for science-teacher educators and concluding with some examples of promising practices aligned with recommended reforms. Each subsection begins with…

Future federal education policy should shift from complex, detailed regulations to broader grants of authority to state governments, with clear guidelines that specify national goals. Past federal activities, classified as distributive, regulatory, or redistributive, are reviewed to assess factors indicating effectiveness. (CJ)

Creating an institutional climate that positively addresses the needs of minority students depends heavily on administrators, faculty, and staff who share the responsibility of educating a diverse student body. The university president's role is that of a leader who understands the school's organizational culture and increases minority…

Describes the evolution of the "Equals" and "Family Math" programs at the University of California (Berkeley) from a single-focus equity program to a multiple focus. Explains specifics of each program's philosophy, methods, and impacts, and describes the program characteristics that enable students to succeed in mathematics.…

Examines major critiques from the literature on the Professional Development School (PDS) equity agenda and accomplishments, referencing works from literature on PDSs, diversity, urban education, and multicultural education. The paper focuses on issues related to poor or working-class learners in PDS settings and learners from non-European racial,…

The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education's Program for Access and Equity improves minority participation and achievement in state colleges and universities by working with institutional leaders and state officials. It addresses statewide needs, emphasizes state and institutional planning, and stresses qualitative and quantitative minority…

Discusses strategies to improve minority faculty representation in research universities, describing the University of Michigan's Six-Point Plan. Efforts begin in elementary schools; institutions of higher education are obligated to improve elementary education for minority students. A four-dimensional model for assessing institutional…

Describes factors that hold promise for recruiting and retaining minority students in gifted education programs, including having equitable, culturally sensitive screening and identification instruments and procedures; providing minority students with a quality education; addressing problems that interfere with minority students' achievement; and…