Proposes a new approach to labor history that is to study working people rather than labor unions. (ND)

A study evaluated the portrayal of white and non-white ethnic groups in selected textbooks. Results show that writers usually describe ethnic groups in neutral terms. However, some writers, in describing ethnic group interaction with white Americans, associate the ethnic groups with more negative than positive terms. (Author/AV)

The author believes that U.S. history can serve an aesthetic function, contribute to the positive self-image of young Americans by presenting genuine accomplishments of their forepersons, and help students participate more rationally in the attempted resolution of social-political conflicts. (Author/RM)

Examines coverage of women in 10 recent public relations textbooks. Finds that every book except 1 mentioned at least one woman by name in its public relations history section. Argues that the history of public relations should be written to include more women, such as the public relations pioneer Doris E. Fleischman. (MM)

Reviews the history textbooks "National Standards for World History: Exploring Paths to the Present" and "National Standards for United States History: Exploring the American Experience." The author explains that these texts are not exercises in indoctrination of any socio-political perspective, but stress group and individual…

The components presented in this document are general and specific recommendations for improving instruction about the Constitution, including revised versions of the seven conference papers. The papers are: "Society's Expectations for School Instruction about the Constitution: An Historical Overview" (R. Freeman Butts); "What Youth…

The literary merit of American History textbooks is explored with emphasis on inspiring and motivating students. Expert panelists reviewed books from fifth, eighth, and eleventh grades. They criticized the following elements: (1) size/weight; (2) prose style; (3) coverage; (4) group consciousness; and (5) format/graphics. (VM)

An analysis of 11 contemporary secondary U.S. history textbooks showed that the sentences per page devoted to the Black experience represents a substantial increase over more dated textbooks. Not only has the quantity improved, but the range of coverage suggests an improvement in quality as well. (RM)

This collection of "polar statements" was adopted from "Stereotypes, Distortions and Omissions in U.S. History Textbooks: A Content Analysis Instrument for Detecting Racism and Sexism," to be published in Fall 1976 by the Council on Interracial Books for Children, Racism and Sexism Resource Center for Educators. (Author/JM)

Evaluates how U.S.-Latin American relations are presented in high school U.S. history textbooks. An examination of 10 textbooks published between 1977-81 revealed inadequate coverage of Latin American cultural diversity and United States foreign policy from the Latin American perspective. (AM)

Suggests that films, television, and textbooks have misrepresented American history. Focuses on the author's struggles in writing two novels about the American Old West. Argues that the role of historical fiction is not to impress moral values, but rather to contemplate the central humanity of each character. (SG)

This paper examines the controversy generated by the 1994 release of the "National Standards for United States History: Exploring the American Experience (5-12)" and "National Standards for World History: Exploring Paths to the Present (5-12)." The standards engendered protests as conservatives and others charged that it was a "politically…

This study focuses on how U.S. history teachers utilize secondary U.S. history textbooks. The report addresses the questions of: (1) "How do teachers utilize previously studied textbooks in classroom situations?"; (2) "How do teachers deal with the technical knowledge of textbooks?"; (3) "What are possible factors that influence textbook usage?";…

This book is about civic literacy, which is described as "the ability to think critically and objectively about the nation's fundamental premises and practices." The volume examines influential education reports and theorists who have defined the civic literacy debate. The book challenges the dominant perspective of history as presented…

American schools use history textbooks that distort history by slighting the influence of religion on customs and institutions. The textbooks used in Montgomery County, Maryland--a highly regarded district--may be considered a sample of those used in the nation's best schools. Yet among these texts there is a remarkable consensus that, after 1700,…