Reviews research on the relationship of cultural background to academic achievement. Concludes that the most successful approaches to minority education recognize and use cultural background in the activity settings in which the learning process takes place. (FMW)

This book explores the representation of race and ethnicity in a multiethnic school. Using a critical case study approach, it appeals to the wider social context to explain the unequal struggle over the meaning of race and ethnicity in the school. In doing so, it examines how stereotyping, curriculum, identity, and language practices provide…

Describes the experiences of Native Americans in American society. Discusses the importance of understanding the present Native American culture in order to meet the needs of Native American children. (RJC)

Examines the writings of contemporary American Indian women with regard to Euro-American stereotypes and their own concepts of femininity and Indian identity. Relates these writings to the social history of American Indians, traditional beliefs, and the autobiographical experiences of early twentieth century Indian women. Contains 32 references.…

This annotated bibliography includes 32 works of fiction, 43 works of nonfiction, and 10 audiovisuals and teacher resources for middle school Mexican American audiences. Discussion includes interest level and reading level for each work, publishing issues, and Mexican American stereotypes. A sidebar article provides brief biographies of 21 Mexican…

Argues that before education students can be considered to teach in diverse urban classrooms, they must be required to examine their prejudices and stereotypes against people of color. The author provides survey results showing little understanding of minorities by education students and discusses a one-day workshop designed to help correct these…

Presents the results of a study of how minorities participate in and rework the central myths of the dominant culture. The responses of 20 Anglo White males versus 20 American Indian males to a western film showed that the meaning imputed to cultural works varies over social space. (JB)

Popular movie depictions of racial minorities as dysfunctional help maintain the present race-linked social stratification by instilling a sense of social disharmony and justifying continuing racial oppression. The enthnocentric bias of the majority of films reinforces stereotypical perceptions of minorities and legitimizes the status quo of white…

Discusses how parents and teachers can encourage sensitivity in their children, providing them with tools to reach out openly to others and to be accepting regardless of differences. Specific strategies for putting differences in perspective and for making friends are offered. (SM)

In 1992, only four blacks in the entire country earned a Ph.D. in mathematics. In the 25 highest-ranked universities, there are only 5 black mathematics professors. Traditional academic beliefs about the inability of blacks to do abstract thinking appear partly responsible. (SLD)

Presents teachers with guidelines for being sensitive to Native Americans and other people of different cultures and for teaching young children about cultural diversity. Stresses the need for inclusiveness of all cultural groups, especially Native Americans, in the classroom. (BB)

Political conditions have influenced the screen images of U.S. cinema, and the images of African Americans have reflected prevailing social stereotypes. The history of African-American representation in films is traced, and it is noted that the tendency to portray African Americans stereotypically has not changed. (SLD)

Presents a student activity designed to reduce ethnocentrism and promote cross-cultural understanding. Describes two stages of the project: (1) individually attending a church of the student's own religion or denomination but of a different race; and (2) attending an African American fundamentalist Baptist service as a group. (CFR)

Dispels myths about Chinese-speaking students in U.S. schools, including myths about where Chinese students come from and what language they speak; difficulties they face when learning English; cultural influences on education; learning behavior and attitudes toward education; and parents' attitudes toward education. Emphasizes that Chinese…

Reports on a telephone survey that examined the extent of support given to multicultural education (MCE) by whites and blacks. Results from 348 respondents found strong support for the concept of MCE, but issues of implementation were more controversial with interracial differences being generally larger than intraracial differences. A model is…