San Diego State University's Center for Latin American Studies operates as a national resource center for Latin America. Center activities focus on enhancing undergraduate and graduate programs, community outreach, and the cooperative relationship with a consortium partner, the Center for Iberian and Latin American Studies at the University of…

Myths and tales from around the world about constellations and facts about stars in the constellations are presented. Most of the stories are from Greek and Roman mythology; however, a few Chinese, Japanese, Polynesian, Arabian, Jewish, and American Indian tales are also included. Following an introduction, myths are presented for the following 32…

Systematic vocabulary instruction accelerates reading progress; improves one's thought processes; and provides progress in originality, organization, and choice of words. Some school districts have experimented, with some success, with teaching Latin as a way of improving vocabulary. In addition, several studies have indicated the value of a…

Describes the diversity of Latin programs from elementary through high school. Discusses five essential characteristics of Latin textbooks for the 21st century. (EKN)

Notes the importance of noticing details and the precious, weird little details of neighborhoods. Uses poetry by Latin American poets to teach children and adults how to write their own poetry. Starts with basic techniques--talking, reading, discussing, and notetaking. (PA)

Describes cultural attributes of Latin America and Latin American youth and how law-related education can be used effectively in Latin American cultures. Provides a definition of justice and asserts that Latin America is an area where there are generalized situations of injustice. Includes brief overviews of six Andean nations. (CFR)

This is the third of a three-part series of articles examining the five geographical themes suggested in "Guidelines for Geographic Education: Elementary and Secondary Schools." Using Middle America (Mexico, Central American and the Caribbean) as a case study, this article addresses the themes of region and movement to show how the…

Discusses the objectives of Latin programs and describes an ideal Latin curriculum based on these objectives which would begin in grade four or five and continue through grade 12. Concludes with some basic needs and objectives of Latin teachers. (EKN)

Reviews the findings of research, reported in the ERIC system, on the value of the study of Latin for improving English vocabulary. (DD)

Describes the sex bias present in a Latin text. Suggests some classroom activities to correct the biased view presented in the texts. Includes exploration of careers open to women in classical times, looking up Latin words for women, and rewriting reading lessons to contain a female character. (DK)

Lists Spanish language books for children ranging from wordless picture books to adolescent love stories and translated popular novels. This year's list includes publishers from Latin America, in particular Mexico's Fondo de Cultura Economica. (MMU)

The push for the English-only literacy approach sends the wrong message to language-minority families. The Arlington (Virginia) Public Schools have established first-language pilot programs to accelerate Latino students' academic achievement and have welcomed community-based educational initiatives. A family-literacy program motivates parents to…

Reviews the current educational policy in Latin America and the Caribbean regarding mainstreaming special education students. The current policy is committed to educational equity and the integration of special needs students into school and society. Includes a discussion of vocational education and research and development for the future. (MJP)

Presents a case study of educational development in Venezuela, with emphasis on political and cultural influences, social needs, needs of developing nations, experimentation on all levels, fellowship programs, and projections for the future. (DB)

The curriculum presented here contains three units designed to help Mexican-American migrant students understand and value the richness of their culture, experiences, and family. Unit 1, "My Roots," examines the different components of a culture, and presents aspects of the Aztec civilization and culture. Activities include hearing a…