The present dissertation features two studies utilizing secondary data to explore the impact of geography on access to and utilization of early developmental services, including Part C early intervention (EI) and autism diagnosis. Both studies examined the role of geography on a micro-level using geographic information system (GIS) based…

The immigrant Latino population of North Central Indiana has hopes of improving youth's academics, but must overcome tremendous obstacles to do so. The current study addresses the needs of immigrant Latino families while transitioning to the United States. Sixty-three participants were interviewed in association with a three-year ethnographic…

The purpose of this study was to explore the rural schooling experience of ten high school students attending a small high school located in a rural county in Indiana regarding college and postsecondary aspirations. Specifically, do they have a positive, negative, or neutral view of college? Who or what is influencing their perceptions, values,…

The article suggests that the regional origins constitute an important factor in determining the variations in the establishment of Chicano communities. Compared are the experiences of Mexicans in the community area of South Chicago, Illinois and a closely situated city, East Chicago, Indiana. (NQ)

The purpose of this research was to study a school district in a small American city to understand who controls school curriculum in the local community. The research approach used was reputational analysis, a survey method whereby the reputed influence of leaders is measured rather than taken for granted. Also used was a technique developed by…

This dissertation explores the storytelling abilities and story repertoire of children from a sixth-grade class in Gosport, Indiana. The history and present nature of Gosport are first examined, to indicate community and social influences on the children's story repertoire. The children's repertoire, presented in an annotated collection, includes…

Based on principals' own perceptions, this paper examines how the principal's role has changed, what constitutes principals' major problems or concerns, and how state and federal regulations and community pressures have affected the principal's role. The project identified and interviewed 56 public school principals for an 11-county area served by…

Based on official reports, newspapers, the memories of citizens, and historical studies, a description of Gary, Indiana during the Great Depression shows how many people in Gary were affected by the Depression. Gary began to grow rapidly beginning in 1906 with the organization of two steel companies. Black, European, and Mexican immigrants came to…

This issue of "Progressions" shares the lessons learned by the Lilly Endowment's Education Division from partnerships with educators, librarians, parents, and community activists. The articles look at individual components of the endowment's overall plan to promote reading among youngsters in grades five through nine, and to introduce…