Literature indicates that sociolinguists and educationists often claim multilingual practice and Africanizing and Indigenizing education will jeopardize national unity and social cohesion. Such claims delay the implementation of decolonization policies and the transformation of the curriculum under false assumptions. However, research reveals many…

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)

This report summarizes the activities of "Indiana and the New Nation," a 2-year educational program for 30 Indiana teachers. The program sought to enrich participant knowledge and understanding of U.S. history; to find the means of using local historical resources to explore major themes in U.S. and European history; to find ways of…

Discusses a college level liberal arts educational program in Attica (NY) Prison. Maintains that the prisoner students work harder and complain less than traditional college students. Discusses techniques used in the prison that might be effective in regular college instruction. (CFR)

A survey of 12 leading high school U.S. History textbooks has resulted in the opinion put forth in this book that the textbooks currently used in high schools are an embarrassing amalgam of bland optimism, blind patriotism, and misinformation. In addition to critiquing existing textbooks, the book also suggests how U.S. History should be taught.…

The bulk of the most innovative and widely noted research over the past 20 years has fallen into the category of social history. It adds a list of new topics to the understanding of the past and a sense of excitement that traditional history instruction lacks. It has the potential of bringing a wider range of students toward an interest in…

This document reports on the "Great Migration" project at Harvard University that brought together scholars and teachers to study the roots, processes, and results of African Americans' urban migration during the period from 1900-1939. The primary purpose of the project was to enhance teachers' scholarly understanding of this aspect of…

Maintains that the National History Standards are a collaboration among classroom teachers, scholars, and curriculum specialists. Discusses the process used to develop the history standards. Asserts that the most contentious issue was the treatment of western civilization in the presentation of historical criteria. (CFR)

Offers the National Council for the Social Studies' official position on Christopher Columbus' voyages to the Americas. Acknowledges the roles of Native Americans, Africans, and Asians in the Age of Discovery. Recognizes the effects of Columbus' contacts with the other cultures of the Americas. Explores the contemporary relevance of 1492. (SG)

Discusses lying by public officials and governments. Reviews history textbook research, and concludes that the content is selected and written to preserve political and economic power. Questions whether or not societies should allow children to be brought up with false beliefs about their own history. (CFR)

Presents an interview by National Endowment for the Humanities chairman, Sheldon Hackney, with historian John Higham on multiculturalism and national identity. Contends that the centrifugal forces of national, ethnic, and religious diversity need countervailing forces to hold the nation together. (CFR)

This document is addressed to individuals concerned with the preparation of history teachers at the secondary-school level. The role of history is to provide a critical approach to the past, not simply to store and transmit the data society wants remembered. In order to produce effective teachers, a program of preparation depends, in part, upon…

Asserts that professors of U.S. history have an important stake in the publication of standards for teaching history in the public schools. Discusses the development of the standards and controversies that emerged. Concludes that college historians will benefit if the voluntary standards are implemented. (CFR)

The History Academy for Ohio Teachers provided 40 Ohio teachers with an intense 4-week summer immersion in world and U.S. history and in historical theory and methods that was followed by a year-long follow up program on teaching units. Working together with college based historians, a new model was developed to help educators improve the teaching…

Asserts that these are exciting times to be involved in history/social science education in California. Reviews recent trends and maintains they will have a significant impact on both preservice and inservice teacher education. Provides a preview of articles in this special theme issue on teacher education. (CFR)