Street children, as the offspring of complex contemporary urban environments, represent one of our most serious global challenges. Article discusses the causes of this phenomenon, characteristics of street children throughout the world, and specific circumstances in Nepal, Indonesia, India, Latin America, and the Philippines. (Author/EMK)

This essay with photographs describes the experiences of two runaways, examining why they left home and how they found help. Although runaways have a reputation for being irresponsible, they usually have good reasons for leaving home. The nun who ran Noah's Ark, where both the runaways featured found shelter and help, estimated that only about two…

Substance abuse among U.S. Blacks is discussed as the concomitant of a chaotic, rapidly changing, and exploitative society. The impact on families and children of drug and alcohol use is viewed as a personal issue; however, it is a public issue because its causes lie in the social structure. (SLD)

Explores the failure of market and political solutions to a common civic problem: a shortage of winter parking spaces. Narrow self-interest and a lack of community mindedness are seen as sources of this civic problem. (JDH)

Describes the need to broaden the civil rights agenda to deal more effectively with issues faced by the Hispanic community. Discusses the need for a continuing governmental role in addressing urban problems. (MW)

Discusses the relationship of the economic conditions of cities to the national economy. A national urban policy is needed which would promote cooperation between business and government, increase investment in public facilities--roads, bridges, ports, etc.--and channel more resources to local governments. (AM)

Discusses how recent changes in federal policies have adversely affected cities. Modifications of the state block grant system, tax laws, reductions in federal support for welfare programs, and a massive federal debt have all hurt urban economies. (AM)

Job creation properly researched and developed can help vitalize vocational education for educators, their students, and the community. The migration of employers from the inner cities to outlying areas over the past few years has created a wasteland within our cities. To help rectify this situation, vocational education needs to start preparing…

Schools are trying to do too many good things simultaneously. To improve, they need to simplify, reduce the overload on students and staff, and concentrate on a small group of key ideas. Instituting magnet districts, each with a separate theme, might eliminate confusion in trying out new ideas. (SLD)

Although some American cities are seeing the revitalization of downtown areas, retail businesses are declining and most cities are losing population. The picture for urban policy is not good, in terms of both the targeting and magnitude of federal urban aid. (Author/RLV)

Educators of young children must reaffirm their commitment to a bias-free society by advocating developmentally appropriate programs; peaceful conflict resolution; antibias practices in all settings; and research intended to ameliorate the debilitating effects of poverty and discrimination on families. (BB)

The contrast between private contentment with family life and public pessimism about the state of the U.S. family mirrors the frightening view of human relations presented by popular culture, particularly popular music. Many African-American leaders deplore any association between African-American culture and current, often obscene, pop music…

Examines recurrent problems within the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and provides recommended changes. Problems addressed involve the lack of governmental support for low-income housing and urban aid necessitating primary reliance upon the private sector and HUD organizational problems. The adoption of progressive housing…

Current teacher training models and educational research perpetuate apathy toward social problems. An alternative model is needed that emphasizes the realities of urban life. (ST)

Focusing on race and gender as an explanation for the hardships faced by black males in America distorts the issues and leads to remedies that are ineffective or contribute to further marginalization. Solutions to the problems of black males must be found in the context of overall social and cultural change. (SLD)