It is commonly accepted and expected that gifted students enjoy reading and other forms of creative modes of storytelling. A core principle from bibliotherapy is that students engage in reading when they identify with one or more characters, and challenges and interests like their own. The same principle applies to multicultural literature--when…

The goal of this piece is to provide educators with the knowledge and practical application needed to build critical literacy within their students using a traditional text that might not be considered multicultural. This essay challenges the idea that "outdated" literary works have no place in today's multicultural classroom, as it…

This bibliography, developed as part of the Portland (Oregon) Public School District's Comprehensive Desegregation Plan, is designed to assist teachers of grades K-8 in locating materials which are unbiased and contribute to multicultural understanding. The bibliography lists books, audiovisual items, and community resources within reach of…

Social studies textbooks need careful inspection with regard to how they treat ethnicity. Although there have been several studies of possible bias in textbooks, there are methodological concerns that need further deliberation. Content analysis has been called a "technique for systematic inference from communications," and it may be viewed as a…

This book of readings lays the foundation for the introduction of a broad multicultural perspective in education. "Multiculturalism and Multicultural Education" (J. S. Wurzel) outlines the multicultural process. Part 1, "Human Condition Themes," comprises the following sections: (1) "Ethnocentrism," including "Eating Christmas in the Kalahari" (R.…

This paper offers guidelines for the selection of elementary and secondary education curriculum materials that properly recognize the variety of ethnic and cultural diversity within U.S. society. Two areas are addressed. The first is understanding the concept of culture when examining multicultural materials. The second is the determination of the…

The creation of a gender-fair multicultural curriculum is the necessary basis for the equitable schooling of all girls and boys in the United States. The key to success in curriculum reform is the inclusion of everyone with a stake in the schools in an effective, productive process. Defining the term multicultural education illustrates the…

Asserts that, since the civil rights movement of the 1960s, social studies textbooks have changed to reflect a multicultural perspective. Encourages primary-level teachers to supplement instruction with visual aids that represent ethnic groups in positive ways. (CFR)

The manual includes teacher instructions and learning activities for a transitional, bilingual program of English as a Second Language (ESL). The program, which is aimed at elementary to college-age Spanish-speaking students from Mexico, Central America, and South America, uses soccer as a motivating cultural force. The ESL program is designed to…

Refutes the multiculturalist's claims to current mathematics curriculum, including misinterpretation of mathematics history, promotion of racial stereotypes, and missing ethnic groups. Discusses the need for a national curriculum. (YP)

Analyzes two eighth-grade history and geography textbooks for multicultural content. Presents and follows the guidelines established in the "California History Social Science Framework." Discusses the texts' coverage of African Americans, American Indians, Hispanics, Asian Americans, and immigrants from Europe. Evaluates visual…

Examines text and photographs in 28 introductory textbooks published between 1990 and 1992 for coverage of diversity issues (minority group members and gay and lesbian lifestyles). Although the quantity and quality of diversity coverage has improved, the content and images in 1990s textbooks has varied substantially. Includes statistical tables.…

Reports on a study of introductory college economics textbooks on the quality and quantity of coverage of the economic status of women and minorities. Finds that textbooks still have a tendency to exclude women and minorities from the general discussion and disguise the multiplicity of explanations for observed differences. (CFR)

This book consists of a collection of stories written by adults who attend a bilingual ESL (English as a Second Language) program co-sponsored by the Toronto Board of Education and Chinese Information and Community Services. All the writings deal with Chinese culture but the book may be used by people of diverse backgrounds and of varying levels…

Early childhood professionals are often required to work with children and families from a range of diverse backgrounds. This book goes beyond simplistic definitions of diversity, encouraging a much broader understanding and helping early childhood educators develop a critical disposition towards assumptions about children and childhood in…