Asserts that there is an important difference between history as socially constructed knowledge and as an objective, fixed account. Reports on a content analysis of three high school world history texts to determine how the meaning from them may be influenced in the content and power relations implicit in the textbook language. (CFR)

Designed to be used with the sound-color filmstrip "Reconstruction: The Promise and Betrayal of Democracy," these learning activities are intended to help students in grades 5-9 develop critical thinking about how their textbook presents the Reconstruction Era. The activities focus on many ideas. Some of the focusing ideas presented are…

This section, from a larger report describing a project designed to systematically investigate how religious and traditional values are represented in today's public school curricula, presents seven studies intended to examine how religion, religious values, and family and family values are presented in the typical textbooks used in the nation's…

Many American educational materials present biased or inaccurate views of Africa. Although these problems are found in a range of media, this study examines printed matter only. A representative sampling of materials indicates that four approaches are generally used in a study of Africa: geographical, historical, cultural, and case study. An…

This report summarizes an informal survey to determine how extensively inter-ethnic materials are being used in suburban school districts in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area. Data was obtained from responses to a questionnaire distributed to some 100 teachers and administrators from 20 districts enrolled in two courses, fall 1968. In no school or…

Reports on a content analysis of all pictures of music-related figures appearing in grades six, seven, and eight music textbooks published in 1988. Finds females underrepresented and stereotypes common. Calls for more research on equity in curriculum materials and gender-related issues in music education. (CFR)

A careful look at the philosophy and programs of the reactionary right shows that prominent among their activities is an assault on freedom of thought and communication. The reactionary right does not believe in the democratic idea of accountability, recognizes that accountability depends upon information, and works unceasingly to keep that…

Containing quantitative analyses of 49 reading, literature, and social studies series, this resource guide is intended for use by parents and educators who are concerned with sex, race, and career role bias in elementary school textbooks. The eight chapters of the guide include the following: charts of major character role and career role…

This critical and selective annotated bibliography is restricted to books written for preschool through grade three. Each title in this listing of "black inclusive" items is accompanied by a commentary whose length depends on the merits or faults of each book. The editors have recommended the books or have not according to the following rationale…

Discusses teaching styles exhibited by two different history teachers. Describes both teaching styles as epistemological representations, although one consists of a passive approach while the other employs active teacher involvement. Stresses each teacher's use of primary sources to help students see both sides of issues and critically analyze…

Essays that consider the way that women are portrayed in foreign language textbooks are presented. The selected essays were submitted to a competition sponsored by the Federation Internationale des Professeurs de Langues Vivantes, which requested that language teachers assess such concerns as: (1) whether women were described in a stereotyped way;…

An analysis is presented of nine textbooks that have been developed in Germany for English language instruction in secondary schools. The purpose of the study is to describe the view that Germans appear to have of the United States as reflected in the information and opinions expressed in these textbooks. It is noted that all the textbooks…

Various articles include the following concerns: a year-long study shows that 66 books about Asian Americans are elitist, racist, and sexist; practical guidelines for selection of nonracist, nonsexist books are provided; a noted playwright looks at the image of Asian Americans in children's books and finds it racist science fiction; the…

Reviews nine U.S. history textbooks, evaluating their analyses of the Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, and the Cold War. Documents their failure to link U.S. foreign policy to economic interests. Criticizes the texts' lack of an historical framework. Concludes students are taught neither historical truth nor critical analysis skills. (CH)

Intended to examine equity in values education in public school curricula, this comprehensive report is organized into two major sections. Section 1 is empirically oriented and presents evidence describing how religion and traditional values are represented in the nation's public school textbooks. Part 1 of section 1 (by Donald Oppewal) is a…