An Idaho education dean recounts a moving encounter with a fatherless first-grader while visiting his grandson in Eugene, Oregon. Envisioning a deadbeat dad and a burned-out mother, he pondered the statistical odds of this child graduating from college. However, the girl's warm welcome from her teacher helped revise his hopes about the little…

Provides a descriptive analysis of the recent history of family policy and argues that the United States, within its cultural context, inhibits the development of a national family policy. The final section provides an analysis of the visionary changes needed to develop a national family policy. (GR)

Intellectually gifted students in grades 6-12 living in central Mississippi were administered the Preferred Instructor Characteristics Scale. Rural, low socioeconomic group students had a stronger preference for teachers with personal-social behaviors such as friendliness, enthusiasm, and respect for students, compared to suburban middle-upper…

Longitudinal data on 171 low-income home buyers and 101 low-income renters in Baltimore (Maryland) are used to compare community and social participation. Results indicate that home buyers were more likely to join neighborhood or block organizations but not necessarily to be more active social participants. (SLD)

Edwin West's critique of the author's "Economics of Educational Choice" essay questions the wisdom of public financial support for schools, a challenge that Levin did not address. This rejoinder respectfully tackles West's assumptions concerning the costs of government versus private schooling and private education benefits for poor…

Discusses successes and failures of subsidized housing in urban areas and the relationship between architectural environment and quality of life, particularly as regards high-rise buildings. Given that some high-rise projects are successful, most should be maintained because of the scarcity of low-income housing. (DM)

Describes the Bronx Corridor of Success Initiative, a collaborative program linking schools, colleges, health institutions, and social agencies that promotes systemic educational reform in low-income communities. Discusses the strategies and outcomes from the first four years of the initiative, established in 1992, and lessons learned. (EMH)

A modified Children's Fear Survey Schedule was used to study 294 low and middle socioeconomic status (SES) Hispanic and Anglo children, aged 7 to 9. Girls and low-SES children reported more intense and more frequent fears. Hispanics did not differ from Anglos. Most-feared items were danger, death, and physical injury. Developmental issues and…

A study suggests that while the pool of top black achievers in college is small, there are some common factors in their experiences that, if replicated among larger numbers of students, might allow many more to succeed. These factors include better college preparation, greater access to educated and influential role models and social networks, and…

Investigates familial alcoholism effects and the comparative probability of risk that adult children of alcoholics have for alcohol dependence. Results, based on a national survey of 12,686 young adults over a five-year period, show that the risk for alcoholism is relatively greater for males than females. (MKA)

Poverty-stricken Honduras offers unlimited service-learning opportunities. In one international school, service learning has become part of school culture. Innovative hospital and shelter projects have transformative potential for the school's aristocratic students, who are likely to become Honduras's future leaders and shape the country's future.…

Research suggests that children living in poverty show progressively lower test scores as they age. The Abecedarian research project contrasted a birth-to-age-five intervention program with a school-grade intervention program. When given IQ and achievement tests at various ages, children who had received preschool treatment consistently outscored…

Describes a study of the availability of books in low-income schools with literature-based curriculums. Focuses on two scenarios or snapshots of elementary schools in the study. Discusses seven recommendations for creating a supportive literacy environment. (TB)

Attempts to explain how institutional mechanisms such as labor markets and pensions stratify the availability of resources and rewards, and interact with life course processes related to labor force history and job mobility to produce income and wealth inequality among the elderly. (SNR)

Investigates educational equity and efficiency of higher education in Argentina. Concludes that despite the fact that public universities are tuition-free, only students from the richest families in Argentina are able to attend universities. Suggests improving higher education equality and efficiency by charging tuition fees and offering selective…