Discusses controversy surrounding the equal-protection rights of students versus the freedom of expression rights of authors. This author pleads the side of the students and supports the Civil Rights Commission's endeavor to learn what sex and race bias guidelines textbook publishers use. Gives suggestions for parents and teachers. (BC)

By comparing a text that is especially biased with one that is especially free of bias, the understanding and recognition of race and sex bias in history textbooks can be developed. "Your Mississippi" by John K. Bettersworth and "Mississippi: Conflict and Change", edited by Sallis and Loewen, provide examples for such a study.…

Common myths of the Reconstruction Era perpetuated by textbooks are examined and positive information to counter these myths is provided. The presentation of Reconstruction in 12 secondary level U.S. history textbooks, published between 1979 and 1982, is analyzed. The myths that are examined include the following: blacks were helpless and confused…

Designed to be used with the sound-color filmstrip "Reconstruction: The Promise and Betrayal of Democracy," these learning activities are intended to help students in grades 5-9 develop critical thinking about how their textbook presents the Reconstruction Era. The activities focus on many ideas. Some of the focusing ideas presented are…