The physical, chemical, and physiological development of the brain and consequent behavior in all species of higher animals evolves from the continuous interaction of genetic and numerous environmental factors. Among the latter are nutritional, disease, psychological, learning, and cultural variables. Of these, nutrition is concerned directly with…

Black survival cannot be fully understood within the context of social systems and institutions, for blacks could never rely upon them, and probably would not have survived had they chosen to do so. Part of the misunderstanding of Afro-American scholars in their interpretations of black culture has been due to their focusing on institutions and…

The relationship between self-concept measures of deprived mothers and self-concept measures of their children is re-examined empirically. An accidental discovery was made correlating mothers' pre measures of self-concept to their childrens' post measures of self-concept. (CK)

A study explored the lives of families and successful readers within "at-risk" environments. This inquiry sought to identify and understand the home and family characteristics that enable children to defy the myths and become successful readers and literacy users, when individuals and institutions would suggest they would fail. Through…

Features of compensatory education programs which have been effective with low-achieving, socially and economically disadvantaged students are delineated. Analyzed are the effects of: (1) changing classroom organization; (2) varying instructional methods; and (3) concentration on developing children's learning processes. Policy recommendations are…

Provides a history of youthful offenders and society's efforts at rehabilitation and punishment. Traces the development of correctional institutions from their early days in England to the current efforts involving intervention and prevention. Includes photographs, historical and contemporary statistics, and tabular data. (MJP)

Studied the plight of marginalized children in urban Russia, including orphans, children with some family ties living in group homes, and street children. Found that changing public views toward these groups since WWII have led to a deterioration in lifestyle for these children, further contributing to criminal activity and poverty in urban areas.…

Provides an overview of the current state of health services in rural America and examines policy changes being made through Congressional action. Presents suggestions for further research and legislative actions. Discusses the role that individual psychologists can play in improving mental health services in rural areas. (MW)

Studied how positive the educational and social experiences were for vastly outnumbered and socially segregated minority students at a predominantly white university. Responses from 240 black and white students show that minority students are daily reminded, overtly and covertly, of their minority status. The alienation from campus life this…

Examines the effects of persistent economic hardship on children. Both black and white children who experienced persistent family economic hardship demonstrated problems in peer relations, showed conduct problems at school, and reported low self-esteem. Connections between persistent economic hardship and psychosocial adjustment were more…

Compares the relative plausibility of family processes and schooling opportunities as factors associated with sex and motherhood in poor communities. Suggests that young women who delayed onset of sexual activity, and who stayed at school even as teen mothers, had more positive perceptions of being students and of receiving family encouragement…

"Savage Inequalities: Children in America's Schools" describes the contrasts between rich and poor schools located within a few miles of each other. The author, Jonathan Kozol, claims that contrasts are due to inequitable funding; he would abolish the property tax and replace it with equitable funding for every child deriving from a…

Presents results of a study of neighborhood effects on educational attainment in Scotland. Reports a significant negative association between deprivation in the home neighborhood and educational attainment. Concludes that policies to alleviate educational disadvantage must focus on social deprivation in the society at large and not just on…

In the Dominican Republic, poverty negatively affects education, including teacher education. Salaries fall, teachers lose prestige, and the quality of teaching candidates drops. The article examines the educational cycle of poverty, describes a K-12 teacher education project, and discusses a vision for the future. (SM)

In this interview, Senator Campbell identifies violence, drug and alcohol abuse, poorly funded schools, and racism as obstacles facing American Indian youth. He discusses government programs that help American Indians, but notes that tribal control of programs is more effective and a return to traditional tribal values is necessary to provide a…