This study draws upon evaluations of 306 texts in common use in the 50 states. The books were read by over 100 experts who responded to a detailed questionnaire designed to assess the texts' amount of Asian content; accuracy, underlying assumptions and approach; inclusion of literature, the fine arts, and other primary expressions of the Asian…

This report summarizes the results of an intensive survey undertaken by the Asia Society to determine how Asia is depicted in American School textbooks. Over 100 scholars and teachers reviewed 306 social studies texts in use in the 50 states in 1974-75 to discover what is being taught about Asia at each grade level. The textbooks were designated…

This paper reviews the current status of Asian Americans in the U.S. schools from perspectives of textbook content and teaching methods. The author points out that findings of a survey of the 1950s and early 1960s textbooks reveal limited inclusion of references to anything Asian. This lack of interest can be seen, also, in American society, as…

Observes that, although textbook reform in occupied Japan originally supported democratic principles of openness and competition, it later became a mechanism for anticommunist censorship. Maintains that interpretations of Japan's military conduct remain highly politicized and controversial. (MJP)

This handbook explores ways of creating unbiased educational experiences for students in non-stereotyped learning environments for kindergarten to grade 4. An examination is made of the sexual, racial, and cultural biases displayed by textbooks and curricula currently in use, with suggestions offered on how to present these materials in an…

A study of reading textbooks for English as a second language published in Japan evaluated 150 traditional reading textbooks and 32 new reading textbooks published for use in 1985. Traditional reading textbooks are those with main texts and notes and sometimes a few comprehension questions. New reading textbooks have main texts, comprehension…

To assess sex-role stereotyping awareness, attitudes, and classroom behaviors of teachers, a questionnaire was administered to 86 K-12 teachers in a rural area. Teachers were more aware of the influence of sex-role stereotyping in society than in classrooms, and they did not report extensive prior exposure to these issues. Their responses to…

Since materials used in the classroom play a vital role in the educational process, it is essential that educators develop an awareness of sex and racial stereotyping in instructional materials. Massachusetts regulations adopted in 1975 require that schools present all cultures, nationalities, sexes, and races in fair perspective. This booklet has…

Three reports of different task forces from the committee to study sex discrimination in the Kalamazoo, Michigan, Public Schools comprise this document. The first report, from the personnel task force, investigated personnel practices and working conditions in 1972 for the existence of sex discrimination. Questionnaires were distributed to 1,215…

Choosing texts, media, and literature about Africa is a difficult task for school librarians who have not studied Africa in detail; however it is possible to evaluate the available materials on the basis of several important criteria. These include the authority of the author, the dates of preparation and publication, and the accuracy of…

On October 14, 1974, the Kanawha County Association of Classroom Teachers requested that the Teacher Rights Division of the National Education Association (NEA) conduct an investigation into the textbook controversy. This report contains information on the background, evolution, educational consequences, and dynamics of the conflict, and the…

Children's fiction written between 1945 and 1962 was analyzed for current stereotypes of minority Americans, and the results were compared with related studies of adult fiction and school textbooks. Two analytic instruments were applied to 114 minority characters selected from 42 children's books about American Indians, Chinese, Japanese, Negroes,…

Examines US history as portrayed in Communist Chinese geography, economics, and history texts. Surprisingly little propaganda is found in the geography texts. History and economics, however, contain consistent Marxist interpretations. Briefly describes the background and educational exchange that led to this study. (MJP)

Critiques six current history textbooks concerning their representation of African history. Identifies strengths and weaknesses in the texts and establishes criteria of judgement. Includes the use of primary sources, consideration of African perspectives, and a balanced portrait of contemporary problems. (MJP)

Social studies textbooks currently used in Iran have been rewritten since 1979 to achieve the socialization of children into current Islamic political thought. An analysis of the content of current social studies textbooks concludes that explicitly political textbooks are used to teach state approved values and appropriate political behavior while…