This collection of papers asserts that the life prospects of children at the bottom of the socioeconomic ladder can be improved substantially, and the growing gap between them and more privileged children reduced, by making appropriate investments now. After an introduction by Isabel V. Sawhill, the nine papers are: (2) "Promoting the Healthy…

This report examines what is currently known about the employment of college graduates in the United Kingdom (U.K.). The first two sections offer an historical and comparative overview of the issue and a discussion of the methodology. A third section examines and discusses findings from the literature on employer needs and wants. This is followed…

This report examines the financial needs of Arkansas families, and establishes, using conservative economic assumptions, an annual Family Income Standard (FIS) for the state and each of its counties. The FIS is a new tool to be used by citizens, state and local policy makers, civic organizations, non-profits, and parents as they look to improve…

After the Supreme Court declined to hear the Hopwood case in 1996, Texas became one of the first states forced to consider how to promote diversity in higher education without giving preferences by race and ethnicity in student aid and admissions. The situation in Texas may change as the Hopwood decision is reviewed by several entities, though…

This paper discusses the increasing number of teenagers who are dually diagnosed with both learning disabilities and substance abuse and are not receiving appropriate treatment to deal with their special needs. It reports the outcomes of a phenomenological analysis of six young adults who discussed their problems with drug and alcohol abuse,…

Sharply criticizes current free market practices especially in light of the globalization of capitalism. Maintains that a laissez-faire approach to the allocation of resources and consumer choices is no longer relevant in a world defined by an increasing disparity between rich and poor. (MJP)

Explores how community characteristics of socioeconomic class; rural, small-town, suburban, or urban location; and culture shaped the principal's expectations for student progress, educational goals, recruitment and retention, supervision and staff development, and teacher collaboration in five elementary school programs for preschool students…

Examines the phenomenon of language obsolescence by focusing on Breton- and non-Breton-speakers in France. Investigates linguistic preference, intergenerational transmission and attitudes towards language planning in an attempt to determine the extent to which the speakers themselves are catalysts in the process of language death. (27 references)…

Suggests that while language variation is widespread and natural, it is subject to judgment and that where a standard has developed other varieties are judged against the standard. Investigates how teachers judge the speech of school-aged students and what influences that judgment. Results show teachers' perceptions of speech were most strongly…

Presents several entries from three months of journal entries that were written during a college internship in the counseling office of an upper-class suburban public school. Touches on a variety of high school issues including decile rankings, college admissions, family problems, and emotional problems. (FC)

Compared neighborhood variables, based on census data, to child outcomes for 5- and 6-year olds. Found that neighborhood structural aspects were associated with child development; neighborhood factors played a role in cognitive and socioemotional outcomes; and higher neighborhood SES and racial homogeneity were related to children's higher…

Examines the relationships between students and families in Russia as they adapt to a new society. Contrasts traditional and current roles of socialization among various social classes. Includes seven tables of statistical data revealing the dichotomy between the new business class and those employed in the public sector. (MJP)

This study used a national sample of Mexican Americans to develop structural equation models of the effects of 4 eighth- grade latent variables on educational expectations 6 years later. Findings indicated that parents' influences had a strong positive effect on educational expectations at late adolescence. Parents' influence dominated effects of…

Describes study that was conducted to evaluate the effects of a computer-assisted remediation program on the mathematics skills and self-concept of teacher education students at a predominantly Black college. Socioeconomic status and sex differences are examined, and treatments of experimental and control groups are described. (five references)…

Describes a study that examined the effect of computer programing experience on the mathematical problem solving achievement of high school students. The variables studied are discussed, including gender, ability, socioeconomic status, prior math experience, and access to a home computer, and a path analysis model is explained. (34 references)…