A study was undertaken to determine whether selected U.S. History textbooks portray females in a sexist fashion. The results indicate that authors need to be more conscious of the treatment accorded women, and there exists a need for accurate, balanced, and comprehensive descriptions of White and non-White females. (KC)

The purpose of this article is to review 10 recently published textbooks frequently used in United States history classes on the secondary level regarding their coverage of Hispanics. Findings indicated that treatment of Hispanic groups in textbooks has moved from glaring omission and superficial portrayal to depictions which are nonstereotypical…

Presents a technique by which educators or laymen can measure textbooks' treatment of various population groups. Also reviews textbook evaluation methods developed by the National Education Association and the Council on Interracial Books for Children. (AV)

The author reviews some research on the ethnic content of United States history textbooks; examines published guidelines and checklists on ethnic balance in instructional materials; and considers the role of the curriculum director in local textbook review. (SJL)

To determine whether the distribution of male and female main character roles (sex dominance) differed significantly in the 1976-1978 editions of basal readers and supplementary textbooks from that found in the 1974-1976 editions examined by Gwyneth E. Britton and Margaret C. Lumpkin, an analysis of more than 3,700 stories was undertaken. The sex…

A study evaluated the portrayal of white and non-white ethnic groups in selected textbooks. Results show that writers usually describe ethnic groups in neutral terms. However, some writers, in describing ethnic group interaction with white Americans, associate the ethnic groups with more negative than positive terms. (Author/AV)

Discusses and presents data from an examination of coverage and treatment of Native Americans in 20 secondary United States history textbooks published in the 1970s. Findings indicate that publishers are moving away from the more established historical interpretations of U.S. history and including content which promotes multiethnic education. (DB)

An analysis of 11 contemporary secondary U.S. history textbooks showed that the sentences per page devoted to the Black experience represents a substantial increase over more dated textbooks. Not only has the quantity improved, but the range of coverage suggests an improvement in quality as well. (RM)

The "Garcia-Armstrong Matrix System" provides specific instructions for evaluating the way textbooks depict ethnic/minority groups. The matrix is formed by evaluating individual sentences for their references to the activity or passivity of the target group and to the status of the target group in relation to other groups named in the same…

A study was conducted to assess the role of State departments of education in evaluating ethnic content of social studies material. The approach was to identify and assess instruments, such as guidelines and historical outlines, employed in the evaluation. The way States define ethnic content is criticized. (Author/GC)

Examines whether elementary textbooks enhance a socially active mathematics education program. Reports that young females and minorities are adequately portrayed in five mathematics textbook series; representation of careers, however, is less than adequate. Sixteen references are listed. (YP)

Although the minority content of textbooks has increased and improved over time, its purpose and application are seldom discussed. Various approaches that promote multicultural principles, such as films, intergroup contact, curriculum innovation, multi-ethnic readers, and literature packages, are outlined in this review of the effective…

A study was conducted to determine how well-balanced and accurately the largest ethnic minority groups are portrayed in major contemporary basal reader series. The amount of ethnic minority content by group and by basal series was investigated, as were the qualitative aspects of that content: the locale of the story, the socioeconomic class…

Minority group students perform less well than White students in elementary mathematics and science education. Strategies for increasing learning for minority students include the following: (1) greater use of textbook illustrations; (2) career strand applications; (3) community field trips; (4) textbook supplement through multicultural resources;…