Cognitive consequences of play and exploration were examined by assigning 36 economically disadvantaged preschoolers to one of three treatment conditions: sociodramatic play training, exploration training, and free-play control. (MP)

Utilizing ethnographic data on several rural families, the economic rationality of the rural poor is demonstrated to be implicit in their behavior. Identification is also made of some of the constraints within which these consumer decisions are made. (JC)

Finland's efforts to develop parity between university and nonuniversity higher education sectors are evident in its creation of 22 experimental "ammattikorkeakoulu" (AMKs). These "polytechnics" are gaining increasing centrality in European higher education systems, but have not increased accessibility for women and lower…

Of a sample from the National Educational Longitudinal Study who were high school seniors in 1992, nondisadvantaged and vocational track participants were more likely to be employed in 1996 than disadvantaged and nonvocational students. Vocational track participants were more likely to be employed over 20 hours per week. (SK)

Massachusetts study finds that increases in district's special-education costs are not due to district policies and practices, but to three external factors: medical advances that have increased the survivability of children born with disabilities, the deinstitutionalization of special-needs children, and the higher percentage of children living…

Three models (threshold, identification/commitment, social inequality gap reduction) were used to examine effects of extracurricular activities on 12th-grade and postsecondary outcomes. As the identification/commitment model predicted, school-based extracurricular activities were more beneficial than out-of-school activities. Consistent with the…

Argues that communities can employ numerous measures to prevent gangs from controlling their neighborhoods. Causes and theoretical explanations of gang formation are discussed, as well as the impact of black gangs in African American communities, and public policy considerations. It is concluded that, with an entire community effort, gangs can be…

Examined relation of emotional regulation strategies to angry affect during a frustration task in a sample of low-income boys. Found that shifting attention away from sources of frustration and seeking information about situation constraints were associated with decreased anger, and secure attachment and positive maternal control correlated with…

Describes "ScienceQuest," an informal science education program in which small teams of young adolescents meet at community technology centers to investigate science phenomena through "I-Searches." Details the I-Search process; how the approach links to United States national standards in science, literacy, and technology; its…

Twelfth Bracey report on the condition of public education includes commentary on testing, Edison Schools, No Child Left Behind Act, educational vouchers, tuition tax credits, and impoverished schools. Includes recipients of several Bracey awards such as "The Get Thee to a Nunnery, Rick Mills Award." (Contains 66 references.) (PKP)

Reports on a comparison of the poverty rates of families with children in six industrial countries. Discusses income and poverty, poverty among children, family poverty rates before and after taxes and income transfers, and conclusions. States that the poverty of children may affect long-term competitiveness with other countries. (RT)

Introduces a special section forecasting problems, delineating issues, and proferring strategies that should prove helpful as early childhood policies and programs are crafted. Today's programs are grounded in research that verifies the efficacy of early intervention, particularly for low-income children. School restructuring will play an…

The article explores state (particularly Oregon's) programs' problems in trying to serve the needs of the ever-increasing number of disadvantaged elementary school students. Increased services are needed to identify at-risk students and help them as soon as possible with programs that have a lasting impact. (CB)

Young adults without a college education and their families are suffering declining economic status and diminished opportunities. Real incomes of males aged 20-24 years fell 25 percent between 1973 and 1986. Inspired by time-tested alternative paths to work and learning recommended by Howard Gardner, the Grant Commission on Work, Family, and…