During the past 30 years, great changes have occurred in secondary literature programs' specific selections and cultural content. Today's English teachers are altering program content to reflect the variety of ethnic, religious, racial, and other social groups in the U.S. The New England Association of Teachers of English's list of…

According to five surveys, only four major authors--Shakespeare, Dickens, Hawthorne, and George Eliot--have survived the dramatic 90-year shift from a predominantly British (or Eurocentric) curriculum to a primarily U.S. curriculum. Programs must now evolve to reflect the cultures of all students, while maintaining appropriate intellectual, moral,…

Lists authors and titles of 52 items of literature about the U.S. ethnic experience by 40 authors from 23 ethnic groups. (SR)

The major purposes of multiethnic and multicultural literature programs in United States' schools are to develop students' knowledge of and respect for the religious, racial, and ethnic diversity of U.S. citizens; and to enhance students' familiarity with and appreciation of the literary traditions of other peoples of the world. The selection of…

Argues that children could leave 12 years of school thinking that the Holocaust is the chief contribution of Jewish people to world history. Shows through a survey of reading anthologies for grades K-12 that Bible stories are largely left out, as is fiction about the modern Jewish culture. Offers a critical explanation for this state of things.…