1. Ecological (Biosocial) Theory
Key Assumption
Chronosystem
Norm-Enforcing Communities
Horizon-Expanding Communities

2. Chronosystem: The set of interdependent ecological systems in which individual and family behavior operate. Key Assumption: Families need every aspect of the chronosystem and have an impact on every one of the different aspects of it.
Ecological Theory

3. These Interactions Are Guided By
Chronosystem
These Interactions Are Guided By
Physical and Biological Laws of Nature
Socially Constructed Rules and Institutions
Organism
Individuals
Microsystem
Families • Schools • Jobs • Churches
Meso/Exosystems
Intersections With Other Microsystems
Macrosystems
Social-Cultural/Human- Built Environment
Metasystem
Natural Physical-Biological Environment

4. Norm-Enforcing Parochial & Neighborhood Schools
Lower Dropout Rates
Higher Academic Growth
Higher Verbal Growth
Greater Extracurricular Involvement
Greater Propensity For College Attendance
Closed (Bonding) Social Networks For Students & Parents
Norm-Enforcing

5. Horizon-Expanding Desegregated and Bused Schools
Open (Bridging) Social Networks For Students & Parents
Higher Creativity
Higher Academic Growth
Higher Mathematical Skills
Horizon-Expanding