The effects of training in test-taking skills on the readiness test performance of young Spanish-speaking children from low socioeconomic backgrounds were assessed. Findings support the hypothesis that testwiseness is an important influence for such children and should be considered in assessment programs. (Author/AL)

Discusses an assessment instrument measuring work values appropriate for use with minimally skilled, economically or educationally deficient clients. The scale surveyed work values of (N=238) poor versus nonpoor service workers. More similarities than differences were found between the two groups. Seven significant value differences were…

Research findings reinforce the relevance to pupil performance of the institutional elements of leadership, expectations, and atmosphere. (Author/MLF)

Results showed the Scholastic Aptitude Test-verbal section, the Scholastic Aptitude Test-mathematics section, the rank in class, and annual income were not effective predictors of college graduation, withdrawal or academic dismissal status. Future research should investigate the interaction of both antecedent and intervening variables. (Author)

Philosophies and themes of the revitalization movement in which President Carter's national urban policy was developed are reviewed. It is held that the new policy does not adequately address the needs of those who suffer the most from urban decay. (GC)

Summarizes rationale for early childhood educational intervention efforts and describes the Carolina Abcedarian Project: a longitudinal, early educational program providing supplemental preschool experiences designed to prevent the cumulative and progressive decline in intellectual and socially adaptive behavior shown by children from extreme…

Discusses issues which "pertain to the success of children in school in answering test questions, the success of linguistic students in analyzing their answers, and generally the educational institution as a whole." Concludes that, "the main reason for reading failure in the inner cities is the cultural conflict between the educational system and…

Explores provision of early childhood services, particularly day care, within the framework of welfare policies and the concept of need. Outlines the development of day care policy in Britain and considers how, within current policy of targeting children with "need," local authorities might make provision available to a wider range of…

Argues that although improving academic achievement is the crux of Title I, the arts can contribute to enhancing academic achievement in at-risk students. An example of this approach is provided via partnership between the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Washington (DC) metropolitan school districts. (GR)

Argues that it is time to go beyond mutually agreeing that parents need to get involved in their children's education and start making the school and family partnership a component of all schools. It provides tips on making this transition particularly in schools with high concentrations of poverty and high rates of student mobility. (GR)

Examines three decades of school finance legislation, highlighting emerging judicial constructs of equity and adequacy. Generally, court decisions have turned on adequacy, rather than equity considerations. There is a broad movement under way to secure, in law and practice, poor children's rights to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination. This…

Reports findings from a study investigating the information seeking and information needs of low income African American households in Dallas, Texas. Three hundred households were surveyed; results show information seeking behavior, particularly with regard to employment, health, news, and security issues. (Author/AEF)

This article describes Project Mandela, a federally funded enrichment and family support program for special populations (such as culturally diverse and economically disadvantaged) of gifted learners. Eighty-seven families participated in development of Individual Family Support Plans to enhance children's educational progress. The project found…

Six preschool children, mostly from poverty-level backgrounds, were taught to make descriptive statements about objects. The category-descriptor statements were organized and sequenced into four clusters. As sets of new statements were successively taught and evaluated, the number and diversity of probed category and descriptor terms steadily and…

Pakistan province initiated two pilot programs to encourage the creation of private schools for poor girls. Uses randomized assignment to treatment and control groups to measure program effectiveness. Finds that the pilot schools are successful in urban areas, but relative failures in rural. Explains differences such as better availability of…