Analysis of three Canadian grade 10 social studies textbooks illustrates how the discrimination and persecution endured by Japanese Canadians have been marginalized. As long as textbooks present perspectives of the dominant social group, inequalities embedded in society will remain hidden. Using textbooks critically to interrogate biases inherent…

In revisions due to be implemented in 1994, the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) will emphasize critical reading skills and mathematical computation more, and test takers will be allowed to use calculators. The College Entrance Examination Board's Achievement Tests will also be overhauled, with new subject tests added and current test format and…

States that newspaper and magazine journalism tend to depict handicapped persons as victims. Explains that teachers can help eliminate this stereotypic imagery through writing and critical reading exercises. (GG)

Asserts that reading tests can be neither ignored, nor allowed to control the classroom. Describes the teaching of "reading-test reading" as a genre in a first grade literature-based classroom. Presents children's views of the genre and how their understanding of it affects their view of themselves as readers. (SR)

This activity book presents elementary level multicultural books designed to foster self-esteem, understanding, and critical reading skills. It includes a resource list and general discussion boosters for analyzing characters and setting, class activities related to the books, and a student page on character study. (SM)

Illustrates how science fiction can encourage students to reflect on the interaction of science, humanism, and literature, and on how this interplay causes permutations in human thought. Suggests thematic teaching approaches based on writings dealing with ethics, biological determinism, science and society, and science and the humanities. (RDS)

Argues that recent findings in national surveys indicate a general lack of geographic knowledge and a disinterest in reading among students. Provides an annotated bibliography of fiction and nonfiction children's literature categorized by geographical subject area. (CFR)

Describes a seven-week critical-inquiry unit in a writing course for college sophomores that studies the 1953 Rosenberg trial. Uses this unit to illustrate the importance of dissonance in learning development, and how rhetorical inquiry in Kenneth Burke's concept of "perspective by incongruity" leads to critical inquiry and deeper…

This investigation of domain-specific professional reading clarified the way 12 professionally active teachers select and read journal articles in their field. Think-aloud reports identified categories of (1) using strategies; (2) connecting to practice; (3) monitoring; (4) questioning; and (5) evaluating. These teachers created meaning in complex…

Using a critical model of reader response to literature in diverse urban secondary classrooms is important. The model helps teachers encourage diverse readers to generate their own text so they can engage with text that is more interesting than the traditional canon and become more willing and able to respond. Samples of diverse urban students'…

Discusses the link between adequately developed, current school library collections and better student achievement and highlights the importance of having students become successful critical readers. Offers suggestions for encouraging reading, including knowing the materials in the collection, knowing the students to meet their needs, building on…

Multicultural literature can help elementary students learn about cultural differences and racial bias and examine their prejudices and stereotypes. Critiques five children's books that emphasize the African American experience. These books do not challenge racism or provide critical explanations about why characters were treated in a racist…

This article describes how, by comparing multiple perspectives of the story of Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott, students can experience first-hand how different published accounts of the same event may contain different information. The author relates the lesson plan of Jennifer Morrow, a third-grade teacher at Coral Ridge Elementary…

The authors of this article provide a forum using Louis Owens's novel "Wolfsong" as a collaborative reading project which aims to gain experience teaching Native American literatures and to explore the effect of bringing an author directly into the classroom discussion. The following sections reflect the structure of the project: (1) Reflective…

"The Lorax," written by children's author Dr. Seuss in 1971, has been used extensively by educators with participants of all ages in outdoor and environmental education. This paper results from a critical reflection upon my own practice of employing "The Lorax" as a teaching resource with senior secondary and tertiary students…