Using data obtained from recent cross-national and longitudinal studies, the link between family influences and the traditional patterns of school achievement were assessed in terms of rural educational mobility and sex differentials within the context of the "sponsored" system of Norway's schools and the "contest" system…

The effects of family background factors on the mobility aspirations of 70 black and white Chicago, Illinois male adolescents were investigated. Data on family socioeconomic status, family structure, parent aspirations for the son and parent-child relationships were obtained by interviewing the father, mother, and son in each family. Results…

Relationships between salary levels and community and teacher characteristics were analyzed for public school districts in New York State in order to determine the causes of variation in salary levels paid and to examine the consequences of those variations. A strong relationship was found between socioeconomic status and salaries paid, especially…

The primary objective of this investigation was to determine what attitudinal and knowledge factors contributed toward minority high school students not choosing nursing as a profession in higher numbers than they currently do. A total of 2,057 American Indian, Chicano, Black, and Caucasian high school seniors were surveyed at three geographically…

The general emphasis of Project LONGSTEP (the Longitudinal Study of Educational Practices) was on the identification of changes in student achievement that occur as a result of intensive educational innovation. Methods used to identify and document innovations and to assess student achievement are highlighted and include selection of schools and…

A random sample of 170 black graduate students at the University of Maryland, College Park was sent an anonymous questionnaire concerning their characteristics and attitudes towards academic and nonacademic variables. They tended to agree most strongly that they were certain of their vocational goal, that there was at least one person in their…

Presents a study which examined differences between and within schools in the allocation of opportunities for learning to determine whether they influence academic achievement of individual students. Results show few between-school effects but important within-school influences. Includes ten charts. (Author/AEM)

A survey of two state university medical schools' family practice graduates examined the extent of their moonlighting during residency and its perceived effects on their training, personal or family life, and finances. Most felt the employment was beneficial to their training or finances and had little negative impact. (MSE)

America's growing Asian population is comprised of strikingly diverse ethnic groups. Although many Asian immigrants have achieved academic and economic success, there remain barriers to full participation by Asians in American society. A greater understanding of Asian Americans and their cultures would benefit us all. (Author/BJV)

In an Israeli community of low socioeconomic status, conventional ability measures and the Learning Potential Assessment Device (LPAD) were administered to 165 high-achieving intermediate grade students and their classmates. High-achieving students scored higher than classmates on both conventional and LPAD measures but scored higher than the norm…

Parent involvement in their children's educational experiences enhances student achievement. Low socioeconomic status (SES) and Black families often lack the human and material resources needed for a positive academic environment at home; however, positive learning environments do exist in some low-SES Black homes. More developmentally oriented,…

Subgroups based on differences in Verbal IQ/Performance IQ patterns of 65 learning disabled boys (grades 3-6) were examined through peer nominations of popularity, rejection, behavior problems, and teacher ratings. Those whose Verbal and Performance IQ scales were approximately equal were most often rejected by peers and were perceived as more…

This study examined the long-term performance of three cohorts of Head Start graduates as they proceeded through a single school system. Information was taken from application cards and from a computerized pupil data base. Overall findings showed that students who attended Head Start performed better than the comparison group. (LMO)

Reviews the year's most decisive school developments as they relate to the publication "A Nation at Risk" and examines areas largely untouched by recent reforms. Includes a chart comparing all 50 states in 15 education-related categories and reports on some recent reforms that could become trends. (IW)

Six articles on inequity in computer learning specifically address the dimensions of computer gender inequity, ways to successfully overcome inequity problems, strategy to heighten teacher awareness of computer inequity, and parental role in recognizing and overcoming gender equity imbalance. Resources and methods to aid equal access are…