The National Longitudinal Survey of Labor Force Behavior concluded that underprivileged youth lack occupational information. But the Knowledge of the World of Work Test administered to the young people surveyed does not appear to be reliable. (SK)

Language samples were obtained from 12 Head Start preschool children under the following three experimental conditions: Condition I, Retelling a Story with Toys; Condition II, Playing with Toys; Condition III, Toys with Questions. Results indicated that retelling a story produced the largest mean length of utterance, but toys and questions…

The goals, methods, and long- and short-term effects of a comprehensive intervention project are described. Included is a discussion of the social policy implications, particularly that intervention programs should provide quality services and options responsive to the needs of the individuals. (Author/GK)

The Consortium for Longitudinal Studies is a cooperative effort of investigators endeavoring to assess long-term effects of early childhood education on children from low-income families. The data and follow-up measures of research projects conducted in the 1960s were pooled for joint analyses. (Author/GK)

Discusses policies and programs that have evolved over decades of searching for solutions to crime and urban decline and suggests that more emphasis be given to an inventory of populations at risk, rather than behavior problems of individuals. (Author/JCD)

The experience of CETA in the Genesee Intermediate School District was examined to see what factors help youth make the transition from school to work. It was found that age and sex do not make a difference in success rates. The more training, the greater the success in job placement. (CT)

Reports on a study which attempted to assess teacher evaluation of distinctive attitudes, values, and motivational and behavioral patterns characteristic of disadvantaged inner-city students. (Author/MK)

Five causal metaphors running throughout youth employment and education programs are reviewed: (1) the functionalist economic model; (2) the institutional socialization model; (3) a psychosocial view of youth development; (4) the subcultural model; and (5) a self-determined community development vision. (Author/GK)

Describes a summer school program where children in a mental hospital shared activities and learning experiences with "street kids"; presents some of the insights gained by members of both groups. (MAI)

Briefly outlines the "Cities in Schools" program in which urban students get intensive remedial instruction in basic skills and also receive other help such as legal counseling, health care, personal and family counseling, or welfare assistance. The program is currently operating in six cities. (IRT)

When eight black and eight white children tried to purchase cigarettes in California, where purchase by minors is illegal, black children were sold cigarettes significantly more often, especially in black neighborhoods and by nonblack clerks, and adult customers made no effort to stop them. Implications for smoking prevention are discussed. (SLD)

Reviews Ravitch's "Left Back: A Century of Failed School Reforms," suggesting that: the book is tedious, its documentation is limited, it neglects important reform movements, and it presents troubling accusations about an elitist attitude in public education which has historically been detrimental to the underprivileged. The review…

Parents lacking basic literacy skills cannot be expected to help their children learn these skills. Teachers of disadvantaged students cannot assume their students possess the same information that middle-class children have. Some parents fail to consider their children's basic physical needs. Changing educators' attitudes isn't the whole answer!…

Recounts the educational experience of an artistically talented adolescent in an urban setting. Notes the teenager's struggle to find a place for himself in his community and school and the resulting problems with underachievement. (Author/DB)

Describes the efforts of the Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity's barrio residents to protect, represent, and help its troubled youth in Puerto Rico. Discusses various projects and activities created to involve youngsters in the community parish. (YKH)