Discusses the history of Russian literacy from Kievan Rus, through the Muscovite period, the Imperial period, and the postrevolutionary Soviet Union. Presents tables of literacy levels for various periods. Discusses evidence, theories, and problems with historians' assumptions. Concludes that, until recently, little impetus existed for the bulk of…

Characterizes the period in Soviet Russia from the late 1950s to the early 1990s as one marked by socioeconomic change and Communist Party restructuring. Discusses the effect this turmoil had on the educational system. Reforms instituted during this time formed the basis for many of the changes implemented with perestroika. (MJP)

Investigates motives behind Soviet students' occupational choices. Discusses a survey of eighth-grade students in Berdiansk and upper-grade, rural and urban Crimean students. Finds that student interests provide the main motive for choice. Differentiates between motives and stimuli and between personal and social motives. Reports that 20.6 percent…