Criticizes the organization, emphases, scope, and intellectual challenges of basal social studies textbooks widely used in elementary schools. Includes recommendations for improving such textbooks and social studies curricula. (MCG)

Conversations with 15 Black students attending predominantly White schools, about their teachers, other students, and their textbooks, reveal 8 patterns of racism that are common in schools at all grade levels. (MLF)

Examines the negative implications of special interest group influence on the selection of textbook content for public school students. Suggests guidelines for altering the textbook adoption process to reduce the domination of public testimony by interest groups. Argues that limiting students to one view is not conducive to critical thinking and…

Argues that the present methods of analysis such as pluralism, elitism, and institutionalism are insufficient paradigms to accurately discuss questions of vital concern to American Indian tribes. A study of 40 political science texts found only one considered to be adequate in describing Indian concerns. (GG)

Analyzes six high school U. S. government textbooks. Discusses method of evaluation. Compares textbooks based on the following criteria: content, physical characteristics, understandability, and fairness. Concludes that all of the textbooks studied competently meet the aforementioned research criteria. (RW)

This paper discusses the inclusion of race, both as a construct and as an issue, in the introductory level of the college social science curriculum. First, a review of the literature concerning the general higher education curriculum indicates that a general education should prepare students for citizenship. Next, the paper presents evidence that…

Arranged in three sections, this pamphlet outlines publishers' guidelines for developing nonsexist instructional materials for elementary and secondary school use. Section 1 details the following strategies for expanding and balancing the role models of both sexes in instructional literature: illustrations reflecting a variety of dress and…

Using content analysis, presents a study of 14 U.S. history textbooks. Analyzes textbook treatment of the Declaration of Independence, the atomic bomb, and the Holocaust. Examines nontextual materials. Finds errors of omission, boring writing styles, and a basic similarity between the textbooks. (RW)

Discusses coverage of Mexican history and Mexican Americans in 10 U.S. history textbooks approved for use in Texas. Criticizes the lack of complete information, ethnocentricity, and failure to present the Mexican point of view. Argues that U.S. history courses should cover topics of Mexican history, including Spanish colonialism, the Texas…

Argues that research and teaching in sociology should reflect increased commitment achievements and contributions of culturally diverse groups. Discusses content analysis of 30 introductory sociology texts to determine quantity and quality of their coverage of U.S. ethnic and racial groups. Concludes that, although substantial progress has been…

In the past, science textbooks have been the target of criticism of science educators in studies of sex bias in the past. The purpose of this study was to examine the illustrations in the biology textbooks most commonly used in high schools in the United States. Seven textbooks were examined for their representation of women in illustrations of…

This article introduces and discusses some aspects of the complex problem of textbook reform, and suggests what the future holds for textbooks. (DCS)

Reports on a review of nine elementary social studies textbooks for their treatment of African-American history and culture. Finds that the West African origins and culture of African Americans is largely ignored. Determines that textbooks present a biased and incomplete picture of slavery in early U.S. history. (CFR)

This manual was developed for use of participants in 10 workshops that were designed to help teachers to identify and overcome sex and ethnic bias. The workshops provide a framework for consideration of the often subtle ways that bias may be an inherent element in textbooks, instructional materials, and teachers' attitudes and behaviors.…

Discusses and criticizes criminal justice's deviation from its roots in sociology and adaptation of a more career-oriented perspective. Maintains that the symbiotic relationship between law enforcement agencies and criminal justice as an academic discipline has corrupted the discipline and inhibited academic inquiry. (MJP)