The lifestyles and daily experiences of rural children and adolescents differ considerably from those in urban or suburban areas. Examination of 15 curriculum materials related to substance abuse prevention and development of student decision-making skills revealed that depictions of situations and settings ignored or (less frequently) stereotyped…

This documentary study postures Canadian school textbooks as barometers of corporate faith and prevailing world view, tracing the shift toward secularization in 150 years of publication. A perusal of textbooks suggests that the current secularism of school curricula is not neutral and highlights the need to teach about Christianity. (SM)

Discusses feminism and its role in social studies. Suggests that adding a few female names and faces has not changed the inherent masculinity of the culture. Argues that women's contributions are overlooked because they do not fit the male model of achievement. Suggests that women's culture must be articulated in the social studies. (DK)

The status of the North American Indian in most history and social studies textbooks has not substantially changed in the last 20 years. The Indian continues to be portrayed in extreme, simplistic, stereotypical roles--on the one hand noble, peaceful, friendly, and helpful and on the other hand fierce and warlike. (JHZ)

Emphasizes the need for using multiple approaches in evaluating and eliminating sex bias. Describes a comprehensive strategy for evaluating a district's compliance with Title IX legislation.

A study attempted to discover the quality of multicultural instruction received by students in a preservice teacher education program. Results showed that the content of the instruction focused primarily on bias in instructional materials and secondarily on racism in schools and society. (JN)

This paper examines the role of the schooling process in creating or exacerbating sex differences in educational attainment. Three dimensions are examined: teacher and textbook modeling of sex-appropriate behavior; students' exposure to specific curricular contents; and the academic support provided to students. Available documentation, mainly…

Considers the ubiquitous use of textbooks in social studies classrooms and recommends constructing critical-thinking exercises revealing textual bias. Suggested exercises concern issues of emotional or ambiguous language, geographic and cultural inclusion/exclusion, and accuracy of data. Includes several examples of critical-thinking activities.…

Fourteen middle- and high-school curricula published over 10 years were examined via a content analysis instrument. Little difference occurred in noun and pronoun usage within curriculum texts. Illustrations were scarce but showed greater female representation. There were differences in gender representations according to topic. (SM)

Proposes that technical-writing teachers have the responsibility to sensitize students to sexist language, and describes how that language violates professional ethical practices. Demonstrates how technical-writing texts trivialize sexist language. Suggests methods and resources for teachers to use in the classroom. (KEH)

Reports results on an analysis of five seventh grade life science textbooks for sexist language, images, and curricular content. Authors conclude that sexist language and images exist in these textbooks. The content of all of the books contained a relatively low level of integration of achievements of women scientists and a lack of information…

Reviews introductory sociology texts from 1950-89. Reports that heterosexual biases are embedded in sociology as taught. Argues that goals of sociology texts should include the recognition and exploration of difference rather than the homogenization of sexuality. Concludes that, although introductory sociology texts have made advances in…

This article explores sex bias in curricular materials for elementary and secondary schools. Sex bias is defined as a set of unconscious behaviors that, in themselves, are often trivial and generally favorable. Although these behaviors do not hurt if they happen only once, they can cause a great deal of harm if a pattern develops that serves to…

Reaction of educators to court decision in "Mozert v. Hawkins County" should be tempered with common sense and flexibility. In his research on basal readers and textbooks, Paul Vitz found a distorted presentation of family life, neglect of the role of religion in contemporary American life, and neglect of patriotism, business, labor, and…

An analysis of elementary social studies textbook series showed that the images presented in the texts do not equate with the reality that most Australians experience. A more realistic approach to teaching about Australia would be to examine the lifestyles of urban Australians. Possible ways of doing this are discussed. (RM)