Textbooks treat Afro-American history with a general unevenness, with little attention to Afro-American thoughts and activities. A theme that runs consistently throughout American history is the exclusion of Afro-Americans from the concept of American "people." There should be a two-pronged approach to examining this theme in the classroom. (AM)

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…

Examines the problem of inadequate coverage of ethnic groups in social studies texts. Claims that the coverage of groups included is often unbalanced. Defines reasons for this failure as including political and economic constraints. (BSR)

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…