Children's literature and school texts have reflected society's relegation of women to inferior, passive roles; while there is now an awareness that stereotypes and sexist terms should be eliminated, there is the danger that overreaction will diminish literary quality. (JD)

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)

Author probes the development of black studies in our higher education curriculum, the need for black study programs, and black faculty, who are qualified to relate the American black experience. (RK)

Based upon a paper presented at Annual Convention of National Council of Teachers of English (Milwaukee, Wis., November 29, 1968).

An analysis of the way 10 high school economics textbooks treat the topics of other economic systems, labor, role of government, and environment showed that the texts present free enterprise principles to the exclusion of other ideas. Topics which, if included, would provide a more balanced overall treatment are discussed. (RM)

An evaluation of the illustrations in elementary and secondary education textbooks reveals that: (1) Males dominate occupations illustrated in contemporary health textbooks; and (2) females are generally portrayed as assistants (nurses, technicians, dental hygienists) to males in higher-level roles or in occupations with low levels of power,…

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)

Describes a study of currently available introductory chemistry textbooks for nonchemistry majors. Investigators (one philosopher and one chemist) read books and noted instances of value judgments and content. Findings include uniformity in factual content, and an abundance of value judgments on social, political, and economic issues. (DS)

Examines conditions leading to student misinformation and alienation in the teaching of the American political system at the secondary school level. Describes textbooks as idealizing the system and presenting blatant propaganda, dreary descriptions, and sugar-coated politics. Outlines curriculum goals to provide students with a positive but…

History and geography textbooks used in secondary grades in the Soviet Union and in the United States are being examined by scholars in both countries for factual errors and ideological distortions which influence how one nation perceives the other. A joint report, with suggestions for improvements, is scheduled for 1980. (MF)

Information from a small survey of physics textbooks suggests that girls are underrepresented in the text and in illustrations. Suggests that if the pattern is apparent in all physics textbooks, then this may be an indication of the cause of a paucity of girls in the physical sciences. (SA)

A study of 139 textbooks written over the last 40 years. Recent texts are found to give more coverage to the psychology of later life, and many seek to present a positive image of aging and older adults. These treatments, however, often contain material that perpetuates stereotypes. (EVL)

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)