Discusses the problem of ethnocentrism in the educational system of the United States. Suggests that knowledge needs to be redefined to reflect a multicultural view of the world rather than reflecting an "us against them" outlook. Argues that the humanities need to be decentered so that minority students are not alienated. (DK)

States that children's literature is an excellent resource for presenting a deeper perspective of the lifestyle of blacks before the Civil Rights era. Discusses four specific books that can be used to teach a unit of instruction on this topic. Includes suggestions for class activities. (AEM)

Explains why it is important for children to learn about racism and genocide, and why literary treatments of these topics constitute an important source of questions and discussions that speak to the heart as well as to the mind. Concentrates on the European Holocaust and the African American experience. (TB)

Addresses the problem of racial bias in the teaching of history. Argues that history is taught from a European viewpoint ignoring civilization's beginning in Africa. Suggests that African-American children will develop self-esteem and motivation if they are taught about African history. Describes such a program in the Indianapolis (Indiana) Public…

Provides a collection of Web sites useful for teaching about slavery in the United States and the transatlantic slave trade. States that some Web sites include access to primary sources on slavery while others offer teaching materials on the topic. (CMK)

Contends that contemporary historians are redesigning U.S. history and its boundaries by including traditionally ignored groups. Asserts that history education that redefines boundaries in intellectually exciting ways should be valued. Provides a bibliographic essay on new historical scholarship and interpretations. (CFR)

Distortions and omissions in the presentation of African and North American history rob African-Americans of a sense of their cultural heritage and role. History textbooks underplay the effects of slavery and prominent figures' complicity in its institution, and neglect Black contributions that would heighten African-American self-awareness. (AF)

Considers who was intended to have civil rights under the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Suggests that broad and inclusive historical analysis reveals individual citizens as the intended beneficiaries. Argues that the founders established a constitutional framework flexible enough to function in the transition from patriarchy and…

The cult of ethnicity in general and the Afrocentric campaign in particular do not bode well for U.S. education or for the future of the country. The debate over ethnocentric curricula is traced. Commentaries by R. Walters and D. D'Souza elaborate on issues of multicultural education. (SLD)

Contends that a common concern of college faculty is the unpreparedness of incoming freshmen for the demands of college scholarship. Asserts that the public schools have sacrificed educational quality for public relations and the personal advancement of teachers and administrators. (CFR)

Reviews the debate concerning the impact of Afrocentric education and multicultural education on U.S. history instruction and course content. Responds to criticisms of Afrocentric education by historians Diane Ravitch and Arthur Schlesinger, Jr. Contends that multicultural education can help recognize divisions in U.S. society and show a…

Discusses issues related to the underrepresentation of minority teachers in social studies education. Suggests that many minority college students choose occupations other than teaching. Recommends that secondary history teachers develop student involvement in history through historical research and controversial issues. (CFR)