The word "critical" in the title of this collection has three meanings, all of which are relevant. One meaning, as applied to a situation or problem, is "at a point of crisis". A second meaning is "expressing adverse or disapproving comments or judgments". A third is related to the verb "to critique", meaning "to analyze the merits and faults of". The authors contributing to this book pose challenging questions, from multiple perspectives, about the roles of mathematics in society and the implications for education. Traditional reasons for teaching mathematics include: preparing a new generation of mathematics researchers and a cadre of technically competent users of mathematics; training students to think logically; and because mathematics is as much part of cultural heritage as literature or music. These reasons remain valid, though open to critique, but a deeper analysis is required that recognizes the roles of mathematics in framing many aspects of contemporary society, that will connect mathematics education to the lived experiences of students, their communities, and society in general, and that acknowledges the global ethical responsibilities of mathematicians and mathematics educators. The book is organized in four sections (1) Mathematics education: For what and why? (2) Globalization and cultural diversity, (3) Mathematics, education, and society and (4) Social justice in, and through, mathematics education The chapters address fundamental issues such as the relevance of school mathematics in people's lives; creating a sense of agency for the field of mathematics education, and redefining the relationship between mathematics as discipline, mathematics as school subject and mathematics as part of people's lives.

Reorganized for more effective classroom use, the second edition of Critical Issues in Child Welfare begins with an updated, thorough overview of the challenges currently facing at-risk children and families. A description of the child welfare system highlights issues that are discussed in more detail throughout the book. The text explores protective services, family preservation, foster care and residential care, adoption, services for adolescents, and training and retention of staff. New material highlights the recent discoveries of the impact of early trauma and stress on children's development, and the modifications currently taking place in the child welfare system in response to this new information. The book also examines the critical challenges of poverty and substance abuse, the importance of the community in shaping child welfare services, racial disproportionality in the system, the changing response of the system to LGBT issues, and services to ameliorate the difficulties of youth leaving the system.

In recent years there have been significant changes in education across the globe, largely as a result of changing demographics, technological developments, and increased globalization. Relatedly, the changing needs of societies and families, along with new research findings, provide new directions in early childhood education. Consequently, early childhood teachers today are faced with higher and more complex expectations to help ensure that their students achieve their full potential. Such expectations suggest that early childhood teachers should be professionals who are able to draw on a robust knowledge base in making educational decisions. It follows that teacher education programs should develop and implement innovative programs that can potentially enhance the quality of our future teachers. An awareness of pressing issues in the field of early childhood teacher education led the editors to develop this volume. The chapters in these two volumes bring together scholars from across the US and the globe who are interested in improving the quality of early childhood teacher education. The chapters present their experiences, perspectives, and lessons learned as they addressed some of the challenging issues concerning the education and preparation of future early childhood teachers. The various issues and perspectives from different states in the US or countries across the globe provide insights into current issues and dilemmas facing the field. The contributions of these scholars should inform the discourse on early childhood teacher education and help those who work with preservice teachers improve the quality of their work.

Critical Issues in Peace and Conflict Studies: Theory, Practice, and Pedagogy, edited by Thomas Maty-k, Jessica Senehi, and Sean Byrne, discusses critical issues in the emerging field of Peace and Conflict Studies, and suggests a framework for the future development of the field and the education of its practitioners and academics. Contributors to the book are recognized scholars and practitioners in their respective fields. The authors take an holistic approach to the study, analysis, and resolution of conflict at the micro, meso, macro, and mega levels.

Featuring chapters written by various experts in the discipline, Critical Issues in Criminal Justice: Historical Perspectives provides students with well-researched information regarding vital developments in the field of criminal justice, all the while framing these developments with historical context and insight. The book features five distinct sections. In Section I, chapters address the need for diversity in policing, the relationship between the economy, police staffing, and crime rates, use of force in policing, and terrorism. Section II offers chapters on the effects of mass incarceration on minorities and restorative justice. In Section III, students read about DNA evidence in court cases, the criminal justice system and the media, and the challenge of child pornography cases. Section IV addresses special topics, including criminal justice education, immigration policy, PTSD and healing in criminal justice personnel, and transitional justice. The final section provides perspectives on implicit bias in law enforcement, juvenile justice in California, and new standards and principles for policing. Critical Issues in Criminal Justice explores the history of the criminal justice system, both its trials and triumphs, in an effort to encourage future practitioners to learn from the past and move the discipline forward. It is ideal for criminal justice courses and programs. Ernest Uwazie is a professor and department chair of criminal justice at California State University, Sacramento. He holds a Ph.D. in justice studies from Arizona State University. Ryan Getty is an assistant professor of criminal justice and coordinator of the crime scene lab at California State University, Sacramento. He received his Ph.D. in criminology from the University of Texas at Dallas. Mercedes Valadez is an assistant professor of criminal justice at California State University, Sacramento. She earned her Ph.D. in criminology and criminal justice from Arizona State University. Jennifer Noble is an assistant professor of criminal justice at California State University, Sacramento. She is a former defense attorney and holds a juris doctorate from University of the Pacific.

This compendium of essays written by international health experts describes the opportunities and hazards in improving the health of the world's people. Included is a chapter by Harvard's Jessica Stern on extremist terrorism as a global threat.

Designed to be used in courses that examine relevant pro-and-con disputes about schools and schooling. By exploring the major opposing viewpoints on the issues, this text encourages education students to think critically and develop their own viewpoints. It includes research and scholarship, discussion suggestions, and bibliographic references.