Presents the annecdotal results of an analysis of 11 major publishers' high school world history textbooks. Provides criteria for evaluating such books and concludes that, as a group, these textbooks promoted Western ethnocentrism. (JDH)

This guide in English and Spanish provides teachers with methods for identifying textbook bias and stereotyping. A pre-test and post-test designed to measure awareness of textbook stereotypes are included. Four object lessons discuss the function of repetition, cumulative effect, omission, and distortion in reinforcing stereotypes, especially…

Many corporations and vested interest groups prepare free or inexpensive educational materials for the schools. The authors present guidelines teachers can use to screen such material for objectivity, accuracy, appropriateness, and feasibility. (SJL)

Presents a critical examination of six high school geography textbooks to see how they varied in their treatment of world politics, and comments on the degree of nationalistic bias in each one. Suggestions for teachers are included to help them deal with political concepts and bias in textbooks. (Author/AM)

Provides British elementary and middle grade teachers with guidelines for teaching about minorities, as well as for judging and taking action on bias in school books. (Editor/SJL)

A person considering a textbook for possible adoption should consider the following questions: does the textbook include sufficient information on important females; does the textbook deal adequately with women's issues; do the photographs and illustrations in the textbook deal effectively with women; and does the textbook contain sexist language.…

This essay emphasizes the impact of instructional materials on the development of the individual's self-esteem. It provides guidelines and checklists for the evaluation of sexism and racism, as well as strategies for increasing awareness in the teaching-learning process to help counteract these biases. (Author/DS)

This curriculum guide dispels the stereotypes of American Indians that humiliate and degrade real Indian culture and add fuel to the fire of racism and prejudice. It begins with a timeline of American Indian history from 15,000 B.C. to the present, and compares it to a historical timeline of Europe-Asia. The stereotype of the savage Indian is…

The content of current teacher education textbooks was analyzed in regard to the attention paid to contributions of women to society, recognition and discussion of sexism, and sex stereotypes. Also presented are measures teacher educators need to take to rectify potential inaccuracy and imbalance in the textbooks they use. Biased attitudes were…

One of a series of instructional packets to aid schools in reducing sex stereotypes, this inservice guide for use with school personnel is designed to increase their awareness of ways textbooks and instructional materials contribute toward limiting student options. Included are avenues personnel can take to counter stereotypical messages relayed…

Outlines are presented for teacher workshops on identifying and overcoming biased attitudes reflected in current literature and classroom instructional materials. Each session includes: (1) a needs assessment activity or exercise to express initial concerns; (2) a lecture introducing new concepts and activities; (3) activities providing an…

Common myths of the Reconstruction Era perpetuated by textbooks are examined and positive information to counter these myths is provided. The presentation of Reconstruction in 12 secondary level U.S. history textbooks, published between 1979 and 1982, is analyzed. The myths that are examined include the following: blacks were helpless and confused…

This instructor's guide addresses issues of sex bias as they occur in the shop area of the Culinary Arts Program. The first part gives general background by discussing sex discrimination and schools and course enrollments by sex and the Culinary Arts shop at the Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical School, Massachusetts. A second, and much…

Critiques six current history textbooks concerning their representation of African history. Identifies strengths and weaknesses in the texts and establishes criteria of judgement. Includes the use of primary sources, consideration of African perspectives, and a balanced portrait of contemporary problems. (MJP)

Compiled for use by Missouri vocational educators in the classroom or workplace, this instructional unit is the fourth of four designed to aid students and adults in assessing instructional materials and recognizing and/or correcting biased statements or illustrations. Its objective is for the participant to be able to develop and implement…