The computer's social effects have long been debated under the influence of unrealistic perceptions and value judgments. Experience has disproved early prophecies about the computer's impact on privacy, education, and employment. Today, a new set of criteria for determining the role of computers in social contexts is needed. (KH)

Challenges the pessimistic conclusions of recent studies of longevity and health among the elderly which claim positive trends in prolongation of life have not been matched by extension of healthy life. Examines conceptual issues related to measurement and dynamics of mortality-disability. Uses data from the 1986 Longitudinal Study of Aging to…

Under the leadership of President Paul Stanton, East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is demonstrating the power of higher education partnerships to improve the quality of life in local communities and to accelerate school improvement and student achievement. In this interview, Stanton describes how participation in the SREB Leadership Initiative…

Reports on some of the major issues addressed during the l8th World Congress of OMEP (Organisation Mondiale de l'Education Prescolaire). Topics discussed included maternal and infant malnutrition; social dynamics in developing (and developed) countries; the messages of high technology for children and the quality of life. (BB)

States that the indifference of public policy to human rights issues is illustrated by severe budget cuts in essential program areas such as the National Institute for Mental Health, the Legal Services Corporation, school lunches, social security, and education for the handicapped. Considers strategies for minimizing destructive effects of current…

Discusses a perceived lack of concern for retired teachers among former students and the community at large. Provides examples and excerpts from letters describing loneliness and financial difficulties among retired teachers in the Soviet Union. Urges respect and concern for those who have given everything for their profession, often at the…

This book addresses the issue of living with dyslexia, illuminating the problems using first-person accounts and personal histories of child and adult dyslexics, even entire dyslexic families. Dubbed the "middle class disease" by some and a "specific learning disability" by others, dyslexia affects one in 25 persons. Although…

Analyzes factors which have contributed to the poor conditions of large cities: failure of courage to deal with racism; individualism; short-term thinking; political nonaccountability; diversity of peoples and information; loss of faith in leaders and in nation; and threat of nuclear war. Calls for new policy initiatives and outlines an urban…

The Gulf Crisis that erupted in August, 1990 brought Jordan widespread economic devastation, increased poverty, the threat of hunger, health setbacks, and other hardships. Just as the country's economy was beginning to pull out of a lingering recession, Jordan was struck by the economic embargo against Iraq, the influx of over a million evacuees…

Assesses to present state of knowledge of African-American contributions to, and the role of slavery in the settlement of, the Americas. Suggests areas for future research and discusses research problems. Argues that the economics of capitalism had more effect on conditions of slavery than did the legal codes. (DK)

Recognizing the vulnerability of working children to possible exploitation and abuse, this report examines remunerated and unremunerated work performed by children worldwide, ranging from child labor in factories and agriculture to work conducted within the family household. Section 1 of the report describes the scale and importance of children's…