Facts about Hispanic civilization, history, and culture are compiled to provide a resource for educators and students. Overviews are presented of the history and geographical features of Spain and Latin America, major personalities of the Hispanic world, aspects of Hispanic culture and religion, features of the Spanish language, Hispanic…

Notes the problematical elements of diversity within Latin America, establishes priorities for the social studies curriculum, and reviews what should be taught about its geography, resources, people, religion, customs, economics, politics, history, and international relationships. Lists Latin American Studies programs and published instructional…

This simulation allows students to experience a race from El Paso, Texas to the tip of South America. The students travel through each of the Latin American countries learning as much as they can about each country and completing one report per group. Next, the teams present their report and projects, draw general information/history question…

In a review of 71 geography, history, and social studies books, a panel of individuals knowledgeable about Central America found omissions and stereotypic views that prevent students from understanding current events in that region. (Author/GC)

This unit provides background information and activities about ancient Mexico including the Olmecs, the Mayans, the Toltecs, the Zapotecs and Mixtecs, and the Aztecs. Brief readings are followed by activities that cover a wide range of subjects within each culture. Illustrations throughout the text highlight the topics. A 24-item bibliography…

Newly-conceived Latin programs, designed to improve the English reading and vocabulary skills of pupils of all backgrounds and abilities, have been initiated in several urban school districts. The studies, undertaken in Philadelphia, Indianapolis, the District of Columbia, Los Angeles, Alexandria, Erie County (Pa.), Illinois, and Worcester…

This bulletin reports on educational reform efforts in specific Latin American countries and calls for policy makers to utilize research findings on education in their decision. Five articles are included: (1) "Education Reform in Latin America and the Caribbean: An Agenda for Action" (Ernesto Schiefelbein); (2) "Uruguayan High…

American and western education textbooks have omitted Hispanic topics, people, and contributions. An examination of seven history of western education texts reveals no mention at all of Hispanics. An examination of 11 history of American education texts, ranging from 400 to 600 pages, reveals that none devotes more than two pages to Hispanics or…

This guide provides the teacher of multi-ethnic students with information and teaching resources on Cubans in order to enhance the multicultural awareness of the total school population. The guide was designed for use in the Detroit, Michigan public schools. An historical overview of Cuba from pre-Columbian times to the present outlines Cuba's…

Travel allows teachers to gather the data and realia to enliven history or global education in the classroom. In this special issue teachers describe personal travel experiences to many parts of the globe. Points of interest, itineraries, budgets, and artifacts collected are discussed. (RM)

This document contains reproducible maps, charts and graphs of Latin America for use by teachers and students. The maps are divided into five categories (1) the land; (2) peoples, countries, cities, and governments; (3) the national economies, product, trade, agriculture, and resources; (4) energy, education, employment, illicit drugs, consumer…

This paper examines the complex Mexican educational system and how numerous factors influence its success, depending on one's point of reference. Many ideological and subjective judgments are made in this evaluation. Non-compulsory preschool enrollment figures show tremendous growth in the past 25 years, as does the growth in the number of…

Presenting autobiographical stories from Hispanic culture and history, especially the stories of fascinating, historic role models can be beneficial, educational, therapeutic, and empowering for presenters and audiences. This paper is divided into two sections. Section (1) discusses in detail presenting such autobiographical stories and how to…

Gives examples of poems (in English) of six writers of Spanish, Latin American, or Latino poetry: Nicanor Parra, Vicente Huidobro, Victor Hernandez Cruz, Gabriela Mistral, Martin Espada, and Ana Castillo. States that all can be used as models for the classroom. (PA)

Presents three documents related to the Columbus Quincentenary and indigenous populations. Includes the Declaration of Quito (Ecuador) of July 21, 1990; the final text of the Declaration of Xelaju (Guatemala); and the document "After the 500 Years: Indigenous and Peoples' Unity Proposals for Political Action." (CFR)