Analyzes in two fifth-grade social studies textbooks, the production of three "foundation myths" relating to Chicanos in American history: (1) Texas independence and the Alamo, (2) the Mexican War, and (3) the 20-century struggle for civil rights. How these contribute to cultural degradation is discussed. (SLD)

This report of a study, undertaken at the request of the Ontario Human Rights Commission, details: 1) precedents and historical backgrounds in textbook analysis; 2) the methodology of the present study; and, 3) recommendations based on the findings. Groups selected for study were: Jews, immigrants, Moslems, Negroes, and American Indians. The…

Includes an historical overview of reading textbooks, a discussion of some procedures used by publishers to eliminate textbook bias, an analysis of a popular Houghton-Mifflin reading series (for grades 1-3), and a proposed statement of the rights of children to unbiased textbooks. (Author/GC)

Maintains that most history textbooks support the traditional view that dropping the atom bomb on Hiroshima (Japan) was necessary to end World War II and save U.S. lives. Briefly articulates the revisionist view that the bombing's main purpose was to intimidate the Soviet Union. Reviews six textbooks. (MJP)

Identifies those women mentioned most frequently in general U.S. music education history books and examines the contexts in which the books discussed their work. Surveys individuals interested in music education history to determine name recognition of these women and opinions regarding the importance of their contributions. (MJP)

Examines and analyzes a number of textbooks used during the National Socialist regime in Germany. In accordance with a centralized, totalitarian effort the textbooks overwhelmingly represented Nazi ideology especially in their focus on eugenics, family roles, and the importance of the community. (MJP)

Reports a survey of 66 history textbooks, published after 1980, to determine the extent of sex equity content. Found that no examined text met the sex equity policy of the Ontario Ministry of Education. Describes the treatment of females as inaccurate, marginal, incidental, and trivial. Provides examples from the texts surveyed. (LS)

Discusses ways of approaching text and textbooks as embodiments of a larger process of cultural politics, focusing on the analysis of the relationships involved in their production, contexts, use, and reading. Newer forms of analysis that emphasize the politics of how students actually create meanings around texts are reviewed. (SLD)

Argues that oftentimes simple parallel constructions and choice of examples reflect an unconscious bias in history textbooks. Reveals a number of these, particularly related to the United States' treatment of minorities in World War II. Advocates using strategies to identify and challenge biases in history textbooks. (MJP)

Six popular high school American history textbooks are examined to address accusations of overcompensation by textbook publishers as a result of the raised ethnic consciousness of the 1970s. The textbooks are: "Our American Heritage" (Silver Burdett); "The Pageant of American History" (Allyn and Bacon); "A History of Our American Republic"…

A study compared the 1975 and 1983 editions of the "Macmillan Reading Program Series" primary readers in order to examine sex role portrayals. It was hypothesized that the 1983 edition would show an increase in portrayals of non-sexist roles when compared with the 1975 edition. A checklist was constructed to record instances of sexism…

Seven widely-used high school world history textbooks were analyzed to test the proposition that alternative political and economic systems, such as American democracy and Soviet communism, are treated neutrally, as if they are morally equivalent. This proposition has been advanced by leaders in the U.S. Department of Education as a criticism of…

Textbooks used in grades 2 through 12 in a county school system in rural North Carolina were analyzed to determine the degree of cultural congruency between school curriculum and ethnic cultural setting in Appalachia. Thirty-five elementary school reading books, high school and elementary school social studies books, and high school literature…

Analysis of sex and race representation in almost 3000 stories drawn from 77 basal readers in 7 series published between 1980 and 1982 shows that, although minority and female numerical representation has increased, there has been little progress in role models offered. In terms of representation in the labor force, males of all races were…

In order to improve the treatment of minorities in United States history textbooks, the National Education Association has developed guidelines for evaluating multiethnic materials. According to the guidelines, textbooks should portray cultural pluralism as a value to respect; present sexual, racial, religious, and ethnic groups in such a way as…