Investigates how Brazilian child candy sellers form and use mathematical understandings. Finds that sellers use knowledge acquired through business activity to work school problems, while only a limited part of school learning is applied to the out-of-school situations. (FMW)

The influence of stress as mediated or moderated by locus of control, family environment, social support, and coping style on psychological adjustment and school performance was studied for 164 urban ninth graders. External locus of control increased vulnerability for both sexes, but gender differences in other protective functions are discussed.…

Discusses ways of reducing violence in America involving the integration of scientific approaches and youth violence intervention and community programs that address both family and social environments. The paper argues that these efforts exemplify the notion that violence is more a product of racism and poverty than of race. (GR)

Two case studies examine how an educational reform effort affected specific students and how it involved minority populations in urban schools. The two schools studied involved different types of restructuring efforts in Milwaukee (Wisconsin) and Chicago (Illinois) schools. Examining ethnic issues in reform efforts helps identify specific reform…

A study of 162 third graders in New York City finds that slightly over half of children in special education are males with Medicaid coverage and mothers with medical conditions or adverse health habits at birth. Two-thirds of children with this combination were in special education. (SLD)

A peer counseling program in a 1,800-student inner-city high school (60 percent Latinos, 35 percent African Americans, and 5 percent others) appears successful when evaluated for the following: student knowledge acquisition; student evaluation of the program; students' impact on school and community through counseling sessions; and impact on the…

Following 180 African-American and 332 white students in Milwaukee (Wisconsin) as they entered junior high school reveals that African-American males differ from other racial/gender groups in having earlier adoption of behaviors and attitudes consistent with the stereotype of adolescence. Many other changes were similar for white and…

Assesses the state of U.S. education after a decade of debate about school improvement, and explores what research is teaching us about child development. Children develop a significant portion of their cognitive skills before they are old enough for Head Start, making early interventions crucial. (SLD)

Synthesizes research findings from 10 studies on urban homeless families; and details their demographic characteristics, including the number of children, race, ethnicity, and family composition. Focus is on mothers with children and the effects of homelessness on children. (SLD)

Considers state and national policies directed toward the homeless. Problems with policies for immunization and vaccination requirements, transportation, parent participation, domestic violence, and home schooling are discussed. Alternative solutions that may be more conducive to the education of the homeless are offered. (SLD)

Examines cultural dynamics resulting from the interactions of minority Latino high school students and their "majority" teachers in an inner-city Los Angeles (California) high school. School represents an arena in which the boundary between Latino and Anglo culture and the cultural identity of the educational system are being negotiated.…

Discusses and illustrates some of the systemic obstacles that youth, particularly urban African-American and Latino youth, confront, focusing on the dynamics of Puerto Rican families and youth. Information on health and housing; elementary school, secondary school, and higher education; and unemployment and the labor force is presented. (SLD)

Investigates rural and urban adolescents' perceptions of mental health. Provides insight into rural and urban students' perceptions of problematic behaviors, who should intervene, and how. Recommends that health care providers help adolescents expand their range of coping behaviors, especially in regard to alcohol abuse and violence. (Author/GCP)

Classroom social climate, stress, social support, quality of family life, psychological distress, and academic self-concept were modeled in a path analysis as predictors of school satisfaction (N=129). A caring, supportive school community was most predictive of students' satisfaction. Implications for prevention and intervention efforts with…

Offers a lesson plan in which students examine the concerns expressed by Progressive Era reformers about working-class leisure activities. Uses dance hall reform as a case study of the problems that interested reformers and provides an example of the types of solutions they proposed. Includes three handouts. (CMK)