In this paper, the subject of bias in historical materials is examined. Three articles and two reviews are presented. The articles are: (1) "How Multicultural Educational Materials Affect Children," by Neil J. Kressel and James W. Loewen; (2) "Pluralist History and Public Relations History," by James W. Loewen; and (3) "Televised History and Race…

This guide in English and Spanish provides teachers with methods for identifying textbook bias and stereotyping. A pre-test and post-test designed to measure awareness of textbook stereotypes are included. Four object lessons discuss the function of repetition, cumulative effect, omission, and distortion in reinforcing stereotypes, especially…

This study, undertaken in 1963, analyzed the references made to religion in elementary social studies textbooks. The report was intended to inform authors, publishers, and teachers and enable them to correct errors, supply omissions, and omit irrelevant material. The textbooks used in the study consisted of 120 elementary (grades 1-6) public…

This report reviews the image portrayed of the Negro, in textbooks used in the deep South. Slavery is painted as a cordial, humane system under kindly masters and the Negro as docile and childlike. Although the treatment of the modern era is relatively more objective, the texts, on the whole, evade treatment of the Civil Rights struggle, violence,…

An investigation of a sample of geography, physiology, and arithmetic textbooks used during the period 1880-1920 is described. The paper details the attitudes expressed in these books toward women in society: what they were expected to be, their status vis-a-vis the roles of men, the overlap between the roles of men and women. The paper also…

Four eighth grade literature anthologies ("Focus,""Counterpoint,""Perception," and "Adventures for Readers") were analyzed to determine what roles women played in adolescent literature anthologies. Out of the 171 selections analyzed, only 24 had female authors. Selections which contained no female characters, depicted women in a negative view, or…

To offset sex-related chauvinism in the teaching of language and literature in the university, we must not only revise our courses, but we must also recognize and combat the inherited attitudes toward sexual roles disseminated in elementary and secondary schools. Furthermore, we need to neutralize any prejudiced concepts which the student may have…

This document contains a transcript of a broadcast from "Options in Education", an electronic weekly magazine covering news, features, policy, and people in the field of education. A school progress report is presented for problems in the following areas: desegregation, teacher placement, school finances, teacher union disputes,…

Current editions of texts for elementary students reflect, more than did older texts, the pluralistic nature of American society. However, questions still remain regarding the inclusion of minorities in texts, the extent to which males and females are represented, and the proportion of representation of these two areas. (Author/EB)

Two books are reviewed which discuss conservative critics of textbooks, especially critics of the presentation of evolution in biology textbooks. The article tells who these textbook watchers are and describes their aversions and preferences. (BB)

If texts are to promote ethnicity, they must (1) be free of excessive biases, (2) describe events and issues from various viewpoints, (3) reflect local, state, and national realities, and (4) present history that focuses on the interactions between established Americans and ethnic groups. (MJB)

This paper analyzes 12 contemporary textbooks in family sociology for their portrayal of older families and older family members. Recommendations are made with regard to both the content and the context of materials on aging families in sociology textbooks. (Author)

Suggests that old sex stereotypes need to be replaced by role models which encourage free expression of the natural self, and of aggressive and humane impulses by all persons. (Author)

Criticizes the organization, emphases, scope, and intellectual challenges of basal social studies textbooks widely used in elementary schools. Includes recommendations for improving such textbooks and social studies curricula. (MCG)

Discusses college handbooks and rhetorics' stereotypes of women as sex objects, passive nourishers, perpetual children, and invisible presences. (DD)