Self-report surveys of urban middle and high school students assessed changes in their motivation as they entered and exited an alternative learning program that emphasized academic skills, self-esteem, and social skills. Students who completed the program experienced increases in extrinsic motivation, self-esteem, and persistence toward learning…

This paper describes a methodology for the evaluation of dropout prevention programs, for calculating dropout rates, and for comparing alternative programs equitably. A first step involves developing a hierarchy of criteria for evaluating programs. These criteria are used to obtain dropout risk probability for individuals and groups and types of…

The Co-op/Disadvantaged First-Job Success Project was organized to provide inservice training to vocational teachers and cooperative education coordinators who work with inner city disadvantaged youth in the south central region of Pennsylvania. The project was organized in a manner that allowed project staff, co-op coordinators, and teachers to…

Equity in vocational education cannot be addressed until the question of urban cultural pluralism has been fully analyzed. This question involves problems of minorities, the disadvantaged, and those with limited English proficiency. Barriers facing urban youths enrolling in vocational education include close-knit ethnic pockets attempting to…

The goal of this book is to provide parents, teachers, administrators, school board members, and the general public with a systematic and comprehensive view of the condition of urban education in the 1970's. Previously, city educators tended to project the failure of the school on to "bad homes" and other conditions. The authors stress that new…

This study reports grade, gender, and environmental (school structure) differences in self-reported use of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana among urban black adolescents. Among the results are the following: (1) an equal percentage of males and females reported having "tried" cigarettes and alcohol; (2) males reportedly smoked more cigarettes…

Evaluation research of the human relations component of a larger project that attempts to bridge the black-white cultural gap in the Louisville school system is the basis of this paper. The overall purpose of this major component is to enhance positive attitudes toward intercultural, racial, and ethnic relations and understandings through…

This master thesis examines the African American male students in San Bernardino (California) middle schools and high schools in order to compare those findings to findings in the literature and to be able to recommend ways to improve their performance. The study reviews available statistical data about African American male students compiled by…

Discusses the educational implications of the street as a socializing agent for African-American youth, particularly adolescents. Describes projects developed by the Rural Organizing and Cultural Center in Holmes County (Mississippi) as examples of programs that successfully reach street experienced youth. (JB)