Explored the latent structure of adolescent alcohol use and its construct validity. Using data from 2,096 American Indian high school students, a double cross-validation design uncovered a three-dimensional latent structure of adolescent alcohol use: quantity/frequency, negative consequences, and serious problem drinking. These distinct, yet…

This article presents information on 50 books recommended for teaching elementary students about various cultures, offering interviews with some of the most well-respected children's book authors and illustrators, pointers for choosing appropriate and accurate children's books, and lists of notable authors. (SM)

Examined the history of adoption practices for children of color at the Boys and Girls Aid Society of Oregon. During the period studied (1944-77), 466 children of color were placed with adoptive parents of the same or different race. The agency pioneered new practices, yet also reflected broader social factors regarding adoption and attitudes…

Compared the self-concepts of 623 undergraduate students (306 Indian students in Allahabad, 317 American students in New York City) using the Twenty Statements Test. Statements were analyzed in the areas of social identity, ideological beliefs, interests, ambitions, and self-evaluation. Findings show Americans made more self-evaluation statements,…

The Raven Coloured and Standard Progressive Matrices (RCPM and RSPM) and a group achievement test were administered to 908 Navajo students in grades 2-12. Results suggest that the RCPM is appropriate for use through grade 2 and the RSPM in grades 3-9. Discusses gender differences and differences between students in schools on and off the Navajo…

Studied changes in prejudice toward blacks and Native Indians among white children between ages six and nine. Found that older children were less prejudiced than younger children. Favorable-white and unfavorable-black evaluations did not decline with age, but unfavorable-white and favorable-black evaluations increased with age, and counter-bias…

Reviews data collected in 1991 from 22 tribal colleges on the characteristics of faculty. Indicates that 57% are 45 years old and under, 67% are non-Indian, and 60% have only 1 to 5 years teaching experience. Proposes the development of mentoring programs for students attending tribal colleges to become college faculty members. (contains 17…

Provides an interview with Brian Palecek, an English instructor at United Tribes Technical College (UTTC), in Bismarck, North Dakota, and an instructor in UTTC's Integrated Studies Program. Describes the program's attempts to provide an interdepartmental, theme-based curriculum as an alternative to traditional general education practices. (MAB)

Examines the development, purposes, and potential risks of assessment in tribal colleges, focusing on the North Central Association's accreditation guidelines. Argues that, although assessment offers useful opportunities, the standardization of assessment efforts risks ignoring qualities unique to a particular organization and may not effectively…

Argues that black culture, the racial unity on which it rests, and the idea of Blackness or Africanity itself are under attack. The author places the assault of Africanity in historic and hemispheric contexts and examines the reasons it is being launched at this time. (GR)

Provides lists of historical works dealing with the Columbian quincentenary. Includes publications about Christopher Columbus, the Mediterranean in the late fifteenth century, the spirit of exploration of the period, pre-Columbian America and its societies, and the impact of European contact with America. Urges a broad teaching approach to…

Discusses the modern historical view of the Columbian voyages that recognizes both the positive and negative consequences of the contact. Describes the voyages as a boon to scientific knowledge, a key step in the development of world trade, and an ecological disaster. Acknowledges the role of India, Islam, and Iberian Jews. (DK)

Since the 1950s, arguments for bilingual education in the United States and Mexico have shifted from functionalist interest in modernization to critical demand for equity, then to interpretist recognition of multiple realities. Although minority groups are organizing to influence educational policy, entrenched dominant groups are unlikely to…

Examines resources for teaching about the experiences of women on the American frontier. The use of various print and nonprint resources is discussed; and an annotated list of 7 videos, 12 print resources (i.e., diaries, journals, and reminiscences), and 8 sources of background information is provided. Two related lesson plans are presented. (MES)

Encourages educators to rethink approaches to teaching about Columbus'"discovery" of the Americas. Recommends that teachers examine textbooks for balance of presentation about Columbus. Suggests using children's literature and primary sources in addressing the topic. Underscores the need to present a balanced, multicultural explanation…