This is a literature review on the effect of the single-parent family on the academic achievement of children from such households. It is argued that, historically, society has discriminated against children from single-parent families, especially those of divorced parents. Research is cited which shows that: (1) children from one-parent households have lower levels of socio-emotional development and academic achievement; (2) students from two-parent families have higher reading comprehension than do students from one-parent families; (3) the academic achievement of black children in one-parent families is lower than that of white children from similar families; (4) boys are more affected by divorce and manifest more "acting out" behavior than girls; (5) low income, which is characteristic of one-parent families, is a factor in the probability of daughters dropping out of high school; (6) the female head of household is often less skilled and educated than the average man who acquires custody of his children; and (7) the father's role (or lack of it) makes a difference in children's behavior, especially boys. The need for further research on one-parent families is stressed. (AOS)