Books in Contemporary Issues series

A highly readable overview of the rich past of historically black colleges and universities, and how their role in higher education is evolving for the future.Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have influenced African American lives and communities since 1837. Historically Black Colleges and Universities provides a past and present look at their role in higher education.This volume addresses why these institutions exist, how effective they've been, and if today's 103 HBCUs are still necessary. Special attention is given to the years since 1954 and to desegregation cases such as Brown v. Board of Education, United States v. Fordice, and other judicial decisions. The volume highlights government relations, leadership, and philanthropy as they apply to HBCUs. Also, a chapter provides a case study of the Historically Minority Universities Bioscience and Biotechnology Program Initiative, and a final chapter suggests research agendas for the 21st century.• Six narrative chapters covering the history, purpose, and legacy of these institutions and how they relate to the government and the international community• Directory of national organizations, associations, and federal agencies associated with and proponents of historically black colleges and universities

Mental health issues have been part of life as long as human beings have existed. Like physical illnesses, mental health problems can strike anyone at any time. But mental illnesses are not discussed openly in the same way as physical health problems, because of the stigma surrounding them. Understanding mental health is the key to talking about it openly, and having open conversations can help people with mental illness live happier, more fulfilling lives. The Contemporary Issues series gives young readers a better understanding of major social issues today. Each book examines four key questions related to a controversial topic, with chapters that detail the most commonly heard arguments on both sides of the discussion. The arguments contained within are supported by data from experts as well as nonpartisan reports, allowing the reader to make his or her own informed decision on the issue.

An expert guide to the development of the middle school model as the best educational environment designed to address students' developmental and social needs as well as educational needs.Middle Grades Education: A Reference Handbook explores the distinctive middle school approach to helping adolescents develop as human beings and citizens as well as students, with coverage that ranges from the conceptual foundations of the middle school model, to research-based best practices, to sample lesson plans and activities.Edited by Pat Williams-Boyd, with contributions from experienced, frontline educators, the book showcases a number of places where the ideal middle school has become reality, where individual talents are nurtured, families are involved, teachers serve as role models and advocates, and crucial health and developmental needs are met. Readers will experience classrooms where students dance their math, sing their science, and breathe the winds of history, and where the joy of learning is bounded only by the educator's imagination.• Learning activities for all instructional strategies including differentiated instruction, inquiry-based and concept-based education, critical thinking and problem-solving strategies, the use of multiple intelligences, learning styles and cultural congruence, and cooperative learning• Planning guides and step-by-step presentations of academic service-learning, which connects the classroom to the community

"Historically, gun ownership has always held an important place in American culture. Today, Americans own more than 360 million guns, and many view firearms as a symbol of self-reliance and a critical defense against the threat of government tyranny. Others, however, are concerned about the high rate of gun violence in the United States, particularly the rising number of mass shootings and school shootings. Americans are deeply divided over the best response to the issue of gun control"--Back cover.