Educational scholars have argued that poverty can hamper student achievement. In this critical discussion paper, we provide a historiography of how urban poverty increased in America over the last 30 years of the 20th century. We contend that educators and educational researchers working in P-12 urban schools should understand how federal urban…

This study profiles tutoring programs that empower urban youth within the Regional Institute of Tutorial Education (RITE), a community collaborative of universities, youth agencies, community service organizations, and school districts. Representative members of RITE detail how they address shared urban problems of academic deficits, school…

This article provides a rationale for integrating folk art in an urban K-12 art classroom to provide meaningful instruction for all students. The integration of folk art can provide a safe, nurturing environment for all students to learn by acknowledging the value of art in the community. It can prepare students for participation in a democratic…

The practical reality for far too many urban schools is one that reflects the despair, dire socioeconomic situations, and a complex cultural ethos of numerous neighborhoods and countless youth. Thus, a more rigorous analysis and critical appreciation of youth is necessary because their issues are complex, multifaceted, and delve deeper than what…

In the world of corporate philanthropy, there are those who give to educational causes, and this article describes one such philanthropist, Eli Broad, who shares his take on schools in America. Broad is in a category unto himself not only because of the amount of money he has given--more than $280 million since 1999--but also for his unique…

Summarizes findings of diverse multi-year studies conducted by the Systemic and Policy Research team of the Center for Research on the Education of Students Placed At Risk. Results of 16 projects and more than 300 case studies suggest that efforts to implement diverse reforms are more likely to succeed when educators at different levels share…

School-community initiatives and what they are accomplishing were studied. The methodology included on-site reviews of initiatives in five states and telephone interviews with officials from three other initiatives. Also interviewed were representatives from three corporations that collaborate with schools to provide students with work-based…

Reviews "One Eight Seven," a film about a teacher working with at-risk students. The film is an indictment of U.S. schooling and a portrayal of the dangers teachers and students face in school with increasing frequency. The misrepresentations in this film reinforce the prevailing myths of urban education. (SLD)

Reviews the history of violence in schools, focusing on types and frequencies of violence and the factors that are related to school-based violence. Presents strategies that teachers and other school staff can use to decrease the likelihood of violence. (SLD)

Uses event-history analysis to explore whether and how grade retention influenced graduation outcomes for a cohort of 707 youths from an urban school system. Repeating a grade from kindergarten to grade 6 was associated with an increase in the odds of dropping out. Explores the impact of being over age for grade. (SLD)

Discusses seven of the most common myths and misconceptions about students at risk, and argues that the Goals 2000 educational reform movement could result in negative consequences for this group unless policymakers and practitioners develop a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of this population. (SLD)

Covenant House Texas (CHT) is a nonprofit corporation that provides emergency shelter and related services for children and youth in crisis situations. The Texas Education Agency requires an annual evaluation of all programs receiving state compensatory education funds, and the On-Site School program of CHT was evaluated under this provision. The…

Discusses whether white male teachers can be positive role models for at-risk black male youth and concludes that they can if they are men of integrity who are willing to take on the risks associated with being a dedicated teacher. (SLD)

Argues that blending school psychology and school counseling training to produce comprehensive mental health specialists is a way to address the identified social and emotional needs of children in urban schools. Such specialists could result in more comprehensive, coordinated school mental health services and lead to improved academic…

While student mobility is not a "cause" of low academic achievement, it is one of the correlates of academic performance that should be regarded as a potentially significant factor in shaping students' academic performance. In this document, the Urban Schools Initiative of the Ohio Department of Education makes several recommendations to…