This digest reviews ways to provide Arab Americans with a supportive school environment and all students with an accurate and unbiased education about the Middle East. The school climate will make Arab American students feel more welcome if Arab culture is included in multicultural courses and activities, and if the staff works to eliminate prejudice and discrimination. Staff development will further these goals. A curriculum that includes references to Arab culture, and the assessment of textbooks and materials to ensure the accuracy of representations of Arabs will also help ensure cultural sensitivity. To accommodate the individuality of Arab families, it is important that teachers take the lead from students and their parents when approaching them about school and other related issues. Counselors of Arab American students should respect both traditional Arab attitudes toward usual counseling practices and the Arab communication style in all interactions. Educators must also respect the importance of the nuclear and extended families for Arab Americans and the familial role of elders. By helping families cope with various levels of acculturation, language differences, and conformity to tradition, teachers can help the Arab American student develop a positive identity that is personally satisfying and respectful of the student's cultural heritage. (Contains 15 references.) (SLD)