This theme issue focuses on equity in children's literature, public funding for private schools, women in educational fields, female dropouts, and the relationship between school violence and family and community violence. "Violence in Our Schools" (Bradley Scott) explores reasons for school violence (media violence, isolation from family, racial and ethnic discrimination) and offers four suggestions for violence prevention and 15 suggestions to address racial hostility. "Hijas del Quinto Sol: Redefining Feminine Roles through Children's Literature" (Juanita C. Garcia) notes the importance of gender-sensitive children's literature in modeling sex role attitudes. A sidebar lists 20 titles for grades K-12. "Full Pockets, Empty Promises" (Albert Cortez) discusses issues of constitutionality, equitable student access, and accountability in using the voucher system to support private schools with public funds. "Women in Education Fields" (Yojani Fatima Hernandez) reports on women in various levels of education in Texas. "Reflections on Equity" (Norma V. Cantu) discusses discrimination and federal laws related to educational opportunities for females, students with disabilities, and minorities, as well as barriers to participation in vocational rehabilitation programs, gifted and talented programs, and accelerated courses. "Why Do Girls Drop Out?" (Anita Tijerina Revilla) discusses sexist views and stereotypes persisting in the classroom that lead to girls dropping out. A sidebar lists risk factors for girls, which girls drop out, school structure and dropouts, and academic and economic consequences of female dropouts. "Changing Faces, Changing Places: Challenges as We Enter a New Century" notes the resistance of schools to change due to lack of accountability and reiterates IDRA's commitment to work for needed changes. (SAS)