Family functioning of 30 nonhandicapped and 30 learning-handicapped adolescents and their parents was examined through perspectives on adaptability, cohesion, and communication. Cluster analysis found five profiles of family functioning. Results emphasize the importance of considering adolescent and parent perspectives differently. (SLD)

Describes the author's recent visits to school-based community service programs in different parts of New York City and reviews the educational literature to highlight the value of community service for middle schoolers. Illustrates ways that community service activities counteract students' negative self-concepts. Argues for service learning for…

Some educational solutions to the problems facing young African-American males have been developed through the New Orleans (Louisiana) Public School Study on Black Males (1987-88). From the more than 50 study recommendations, 10 are selected to illustrate the range of strategies. (SLD)

Describes social, cultural, and psychological factors that can influence academic achievement of African-American students by gender and placement in gifted or nongifted academic programs. Results with 148 African-American fifth and sixth graders in an urban Ohio elementary school demonstrate more importance for academic program than for gender.…

Describes initiatives undertaken by the Job Corps in recent years to improve the educational abilities of the enrollees served, and reports results of various research efforts to examine the effectiveness of some of these initiatives. Evidence suggests that Job Corps initiatives have improved basic skills of students. (SLD)

Tests a model of the effects of negative social sanctions that considers the mediating effects of self-rejecting feelings associated with perceived rejection and failure. Results with 1,925 seventh graders asked about drug use are compatible with theoretical premises underlying the predicted association between negative social sanctions and…

Reviews studies on the risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among homeless adolescents, and makes policy recommendations. Discusses factors affecting delivery of services, social networks and risk acts, and describes intervention programs aimed at homeless youth. Homeless youth are well informed about HIV and responsive to behavior change.…

Demographic characteristics of juvenile victims of crime and a potential relationship between victimization and self-reported delinquency are examined for 877 adolescents from a large midwestern city. Lifetime victimization rates (LVRs) are higher for those involved in delinquency, and LVRs rise with age and higher levels of delinquent behavior.…

Recently developed school programs for African-American male students give strong gender and cultural identity; strengthen social skills, discipline, and self-esteem; and redefine the "manly" African American. Some programs have faced legal and political obstacles. Early evidence of modest success is clear, but the long-term efficacy is…

It is apparent that some children in the United States have not benefited from the improved oral health care available. These children tend to be poor and members of racial and ethnic minority groups. Policy recommendations are made to increase both self-care and access to dental care. (SLD)

A 2-year longitudinal study of 54 students in 4 urban high schools in California is used to develop a model of the interrelationships among family, peer, and school worlds as they combine to affect students' learning. Different categories of congruence between students' worlds illustrate the difficulties facing minority students. (SLD)

Although youth apprenticeship models appear to have great potential, the following problems must be addressed before the strategy can succeed: (1) securing employer involvement; (2) assuring and improving the quality of on-the-job learning; and (3) confronting equity issues in public policy in incorporating work into the core educational system.…

Introduces background issues regarding the education of homeless children in urban areas, focusing on problems of definition and identification and sociological factors related to homelessness. An overview is provided of the articles of the special issue. The challenges are how to meet the needs of an amorphous and troubled population. (SLD)

Presents the case study of a transitional school for homeless children that specifically targets their educational needs through an interagency attempt to serve poor families and children in an inner-city setting in Charlotte (North Carolina). Findings and recommendations based on this interagency approach are discussed. (SLD)

Examines the present turmoil in disadvantaged communities, arguing that many urban problems result from historic mistreatment of slum dwellers, especially non-whites. Disproportionate representation of young African-American males in prison and the justice system does not occur by chance. As unequal access to opportunity continues, the underclass…