E.D. Hirsch, Jr.'s "Cultural Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know" has caused a surge in elementary and secondary curriculum development for teaching the national culture. The book's list of 500 cultural terms, dates, names, and references have been both well-received and criticized as too narrow. (MSE)

This book highlights several individuals and programs that have been responsible for improving the academic achievement of African-American students. The author reports on the positive results of culturally conscious education and highlights eight teachers who, though they differ in personal style and methods, share an approach to teaching that…