Coupling Royster's (2000) conceptual framework of "zamani" with Rosenblatt's (1978) reader response theory, the researcher explores the ways African American women's writings supported, nurtured, and "mentored" the writings of adolescent girls. Findings show that the mentor texts helped in generating ideas for writing, thinking…

This article explores Bolivian schoolteachers' attitudes and practices surrounding gender in the context of a national educational reform law that mandated gender equity. Teacher interviews and primary school classroom observations indicate teachers' discourses and practices reflect a sometimes paradoxical blend of advocacy for gender equality and…

This first-of-its-kind report on gender and high school sports participation, "Progress Without Equity: The Provision of High School Athletic Opportunity in the United States, by Gender 1993-94 through 2005-06," flows from an analysis of high schools that is unprecedented in its national and historical scope. It uses merged data from the Civil…

This paper examines the significance of social network and social capital in youth transition from school to work, with a focus on both instrumental and expressive aspects. In recent years the transition of Japanese young people has changed drastically, similar to young people in other industrialised countries. The individualisation of transition…

This study measures the nationwide participation rates of girls and boys in exercise and organized team sports. The central focus is on how the intersections among families, schools and communities are related to children's involvement and interest in athletics and physical activity. Some of the personal and social benefits associated with…

Contents include papers on access to higher education (Barbara B. Burn, Klaus von Dohnanyi, Lois Rice, William W. Turnbull, Burton R. Clark, Ernest L. Boyer, and John W. Nason); systems of higher education (Ernest L. Boyer, Alain Bienamye, Lyman A. Glenny, Torsten Husen, Hans Leussink, Edward F. Sheffield, Francis X. Sutton, and John W. Nason);…

School and community agency collaboration can potentially increase physical activity opportunities for youth. Few studies have examined the role of community agencies in promoting physical activity, much less in collaboration with schools. This article describes formative research data collection from community agencies to inform the development…

In the 1980s females in America are permitted and even encouraged to participate in youth sports. This social phenomenon, however, is of recent vintage since most youth sports programs did not initially welcome girls' participation. Three major factors in girls not having been provided equal opportunities in sport are physiological differences in…

The Youth Employment Planning Team (YEPT) was a joint project of the city of Portland, Oregon, and the School of Urban Affairs at Portland State University. The purpose of the project was to train a group of Portland youths to do youth employment planning by involving them in each stage of an actual planning effort. The results of the project, as…

Whether staff members are working in urban, rural, or suburban branches, for many years national organizations have been committed to preparing them to work effectively with young people. Over the past couple of decades, national organizations have sought and received strong funding to develop targeted, comprehensive professional development…

Highlights events in the Girl Scout movement's 75-year history, noting parallels between Girl Scout camping and the growth and success of organized camping in the United States. Includes discussion of camping standards development, Lou Henry Hoover's support, adaptations during World War II, special programs and projects, and new facilities. (JHZ)

Using data on variability in West Virginia high school dropout rates, this study examined contextual factors in teen pregnancy. Results indicated that teen pregnancy was explained in a similar way to dropping out. The presence or absence of opportunities and valued participation in a socially, culturally stable community affected both issues. (SM)

This book, a major purpose of which is to attempt to identify how different kinds of youth will be reacting to different aspects of the social system in the years ahead, includes 15 essays: "Black Brainpower: Characteristics of Bright Black Youth," D.J. Watley; "Bright Achievers: Their Characteristics and Some Expected Behavior Patterns," D.J.…

The report examines the situation, prospects, and needs of Latin American youth in the context of changes which the region has undergone in recent decades and in the face of difficulties of the present and future. The report is divided into 11 sections, each containing 2 to 4 subtopics. The sections include: "Demographic Structure and…

With much to offer rural girls as well as much to learn from them, Girl Scouting is trying to reach more girls and adults in rural areas. The challenges include economic setbacks for farming, unemployment, isolated populations, and changing rural culture. Along with the challenges are the many resources of rural areas and the congruence between…