Results of a study using a theoretical model to measure student attitudes toward social studies are reported. Attitudes were measured as they related to five constructs: (1) teacher attitudes, including support and reinforcement for the student and enthusiasm for subject; (2) student self-concept, scholastic attitude, peer acceptance, and…

This study examines the relationship between the interactive influences of two environmental settings--the home and the school--and three measures of student growth--reading, mathematics, and self-esteem. Each setting was measured along three dimensions of influence--attitudinal, process, and structural. A three stage, multivariate regression…

One of 52 theoretical papers on school crime and its relation to poverty, this chapter states that the problem of school crime is not a school problem, but a cultural problem manifesting itself in schools. The cultural shifts of the last generation are creating adolescent needs that schools were never organized to deal with, and, therefore,…

Describes social climate dimensions characterizing work, school, and health care settings, emphasizing how personal factors vary influence on morale and performance. Discusses cross-situational linkages, focusing on educator work climate and student learning environment, and students' school and family interplay. Reviews influence of personal…

Correlations of home and school environment variables with the educational performance of 392 seven- and ten-year-old students in Northern Ireland were studied in 1970. Home influences of parent behavior, home literacy, and educational ambition were more important predictors of intelligence and reading/math attainment than were school and…

The main objective of this study was to procure reliable information on the education, experience, and general character of the rural teaching force of Nebraska, together with the first-hand knowledge of some of the conditions contributing to the home and school environment of these teachers. This knowledge was obtained by means of a…

Qualitative analysis of language generated in structured interviews with 11 high-ability at-risk middle school children (who had not been identified for gifted programs) yielded information concerning personal difficulties, perceived support, familiarity with danger and violence, home environment, school experiences, perceptions of the future, and…

This article describes how to identify sources of children's learning opportunities, how families and practitioners can work together to choose natural learning environments as a source of learning opportunities, how to use children's interests for involving them in everyday learning opportunities, and how an intervention plan can increase…

The 15 chapters of this book address issues related to the continuing test score gap between black and white students. The editors argue against traditional explanations which emphasize differences in economic resources and demographic factors, and they urge that more emphasis be put on psychological and cultural factors. The book suggests studies…

This guide is intended to help parents and practitioners utilize natural settings to meet the developmental and health-related needs of infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities. The mission statement of the Connecticut Birth to Three System is summarized and the term "natural settings" is elaborated on. Federal…

The roles and conduct of teachers and principals have emerged as good indicators of effective schools. Research is presently being conducted on parent involvement and its effect on student learning. Good teacher-student interaction is crucial to effective learning. Teachers must have high expectations for students. Their techniques for…

One of the best guarantees of a child's success in school is his or her parents' involvement in education. This resource guide provides information in the following areas: (1) family types; (2) expectations of parents, teachers, and administrators; (3) barriers encountered by parents and teachers; (4) home environment improvements through family…

This paper uses the case of Jewish schools in Chicago to explore the role of religious schools in the development of cultural capital among youth. The authors focus on three sectors of Jewish schools (Orthodox day schools, non-Orthodox day schools, and non-Orthodox supplementary schools) as contexts for learning and expressing Jewish practices,…

The purpose of this study was to identify and explain factors which account for rural youths having lower attendance records and lower educational attainment than urban youths. The major objectives were: (1) to determine the factors affecting the school attendance and attainment of rural youths; (2) to determine the life aspirations of rural…

Parent involvement in their children's educational experiences enhances student achievement. Low socioeconomic status (SES) and Black families often lack the human and material resources needed for a positive academic environment at home; however, positive learning environments do exist in some low-SES Black homes. More developmentally oriented,…