Views suicide as an historical indicator of social factors related to urbanization and urban life. Discusses historical and contemporary problems with data collection, especially in terms of race and sex of victims and underreporting among particular groups. Suggests theoretical approaches to the study of suicide in contemporary society. (GC)

Since 1915, the movement to test reading ability has grown in importance and pervasiveness. Testing is relied on to offer quantitative information, to determine the usefulness of instructional approaches, and to help ensure accountability. The demand for tests arose during the period from 1990 to 1992 when school became compulsory and educators…

Written to celebrate a century of childhood and to mark the centennial year of the Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI), this book describes childhood and childhood education during the past century in the context of the conditions during different periods. The book contains the following chapters: (1) "The American…

Reports on the origins of the Society for Research in Child Development in light of the management/administrative and funding problems surrounding the founding of the Committee on Child Development by the National Research Council. (BB)

Traces development of the Association for Childhood Education International from its founding in 1892 to the present, emphasizing historical events, social trends, and educational philosophies which have influenced its organizational endeavors. Examines current social problems and their influences on the educational and administrative direction of…

Although presented by the press as a new phenomenon, the presence of undocumented Mexican workers in the United States is deeply rooted in history. While current policies tend to view illegal immigration as a social problem, the phenomenon persists because it benefits, politically and economically, both Mexico and the U.S. (Author/GC)

Discusses the false assumptions that indicate students are less intelligent than in the past. Topics include a historical perspective of college student problems; standards that kept all but the elite out of education; S.A.T. (Scholastic Aptitude Test) scores; social influences; the complexity of today's economy; and the importance of reading.…

Considers the origins and historical development of videotex over three decades, comparing various nationally sponsored and private systems in Europe and North America. Discusses problems, including the determination of transmission channels, display devices, standards, marketing strategies, and social, political, and economic elements in the…

This report on the governance of public education in Washington, D.C. describes issues and conflicts that have arisen since the 19th century among the agencies which have exercised various forms and degrees of authority and responsibility for education in the District: The Board of School Trustees or Board of Education; the central city…

The booklet contains the text of eight selected documents on human rights. The documents are Excerpts from the UN Charter; Universal Declaration of Human Rights; Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide; International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights; International Covenant on Civil and Political…

Analyzes problems confronted when integrating women into U.S. history textbooks and college survey courses. Reviews feminist scholarship to examine how women's experiences have differed from men's throughout U.S. history. Although acknowledging the importance of exploring these differences, argues scholars also must investigate women's…

Contemporary homelessness is the result of increasing social and economic inequality faced by those in American society who are most vulnerable to individual, family, and economic instability. This case study of the homeless population of Los Angeles (California), based on two surveys conducted in 1984, views the homeless as a segment of the…