Psychology of women textbooks (N=28) were reviewed to determine if their treatment of Afro-American women replicated errors made in introductory textbooks in regard to the treatment of women in general. Results indicated 18 books offered token or no references to Afro-American women, suggesting race and class bias do exist. (Author/BL)

Many things are wrong with college level economics textbooks. For example, they are too ahistorical, too particularist, or unsystematically eclectic. The requirements of a good college economics textbook are examined. (RM)

Describes the sex bias present in a Latin text. Suggests some classroom activities to correct the biased view presented in the texts. Includes exploration of careers open to women in classical times, looking up Latin words for women, and rewriting reading lessons to contain a female character. (DK)

Argues that the first step in reassessing whether the values brought to the Americas by Christopher Columbus are desirable is to examine and dispel the myths surrounding Columbus and his deeds. Includes myths involving the purpose, financing, and manning of the voyage, and Columbus's own beliefs and fate. Suggests sources for locating accurate…

Proposes using children's historical fiction in social studies instruction. Argues that such literature is helpful because (1) children begin to learn about social phenomena through narrative; (2) historical fiction encourages students to invest emotion, take sides, and ask questions; and (3) historical fiction can counter special interest groups'…

Evaluates college, high school, and middle school, textbook treatments of the ratification of the Constitution. Discusses treatment of the Federalist and Antiferalist views. Reports an imbalance between the two views in texts sampled. Attributes the imbalance to Federalist victory, herd mentality, and fear that inclusion of controversy will…

Reports the results of research concerning the portrayal of the sexes in music textbooks. Suggests that such portrayals may reinforce women's underrepresentation in music education. Reports that men in the illustrations were more likely than women to be identified and presented in formal portraits. Discusses the stereotypical association of the…

Describes an examination of underlying themes presented in introductory sociology textbooks published between 1975 and 1989. Concludes that the books (1) portray society as overstructured and impersonal; (2) overinterpret society in ideologically liberal ways; and (3) overrepresent sociological knowledge as the "highest knowledge" about society.…

Surveys textbooks to examine how the deposing of the monarchy in Hawaii is treated. Suggests that teachers present three questions: (1) was the United States responsible for the overthrow of the monarchy; (2) how was the overthrow treated in textbooks; and (3) is it correct for the United States to deny responsibility? Argues that textbooks…

Examines 11 randomly selected English handbooks to determine the currently published guidelines for avoiding sexist language. Reveals that major differences exist among these handbooks when dealing with equality in language and suggests that feminist teachers exert leadership when selecting handbooks. Ranks five handbooks from offensive to…

Surveys U.S. history texts to determine the coverage given to eastern European immigrants. Reports that Poland is most extensively covered and that the amount of coverage of other eastern European peoples increases with Polish coverage. Suggests a correlation between the frequency an ethnic group is cited and the size of its population in the…

This article analyzes how science classes carry ideological elements and how that has ethical and deontological consequences with respect to science teaching. Provided are some examples of ideologizing, presenting a worldview, biased contents, and biased image of science. (YP)

Analyzes the content of chapters on education in 22 introductory sociology textbooks. Argues that the texts focus on the northern industrialized nations to the exclusion of developing nations' educational issues. Suggests that textbook coverage of northern influence, cultural factors, alternative developing nations' educational models, inadequate…

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…

The components presented in this document are general and specific recommendations for improving instruction about the Constitution, including revised versions of the seven conference papers. The papers are: "Society's Expectations for School Instruction about the Constitution: An Historical Overview" (R. Freeman Butts); "What Youth…