Discusses themes and characteristics of multicultural children's literature that promote understanding of cultural groups and other forms of diversity. The bibliography, which is organized by subject area, lists 58 works for children and young adults and 47 professional books and articles. Publishers of multicultural children's books and of…

An Oregon court case in which American Indians disputed a state law against use of peyote for ritual practices is reviewed, and its implications for free exercise of religion on college campuses are examined. In this context, the impact of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 is also considered. (MSE)

A discussion of U.S. language policy formation and planning covers the following: the literacy crisis, education of language minority populations, "official" English movement, gender neutrality, federal legislation, and emerging issues such as the status of Puerto Rico, American Indian languages, foreign language education, and the…

A review of research on prevention of alcohol abuse among American Indians found that they experience many alcohol-related health problems. Indians have earlier age of first involvement with alcohol, more frequent drinking, and more negative consequences than non-Indians. Prevention programs must consider American Indian heterogeneity and cultural…

Judy Gobert (Blackfeet/Salish) struggled with racism and sexual abuse in childhood and with substance abuse and family violence in adulthood. Traditional spirituality, belief in education, and support groups have helped her to heal herself and create a better life for her children and herself. Describes her doctoral research on drug-resistant…

Young children from five ethnic groups completed surveys about self-concept, self-esteem, racial awareness, and knowledge of racial terms, attitudes, and preference. Anglo-American children had a viable self-concept. Most children were highly aware of distinct ethnic differences and liked all colors. Most minority children chose friends outside…

To assess possible differences in psychosocial development between African American, American Indian, Mexican American, and white American male and female adolescents, 123 adolescents in grades 10 through 12 were compared for identity, sex role orientation, and locus of control. Some ethnic differences were found, but there were more similarities.…

A Department of Education report notes gains in college enrollment by Native Americans (10.8 percent), Asian and Pacific Islanders (11.7 percent), African Americans (8.2 percent), Hispanics (11.5 percent), foreign students (10 percent), and white non-Hispanic students (3.8 percent). College-going rates, however, remained stable for African…

Bloomfield College (New Jersey) and St. Norbert College (Wisconsin), both small, church-related liberal arts colleges, have supported diversity through organizational change, one with a degree and certification program for a specific Native American population, the other with a collegewide effort for faculty development, inclusive curriculum,…

Analyzes two eighth-grade history and geography textbooks for multicultural content. Presents and follows the guidelines established in the "California History Social Science Framework." Discusses the texts' coverage of African Americans, American Indians, Hispanics, Asian Americans, and immigrants from Europe. Evaluates visual…

Investigates cross-cultural differences in values and attitudes toward nuclear war between 336 Caucasian and 67 American Indian adolescents in the rural Pacific Northwest. Implications of value ranking differences and differing attitudes about nuclear war, the nuclear freeze, and escalation of war are discussed in their cultural contexts. (SLD)

Reports on an evaluation of a 1989 summer program at the University of Colorado (Colorado Springs) designed to motivate and prepare low-income minority sophomore and junior college students to go on to graduate study. Results with 23 Chicanos, 2 Native Americans, and 1 Asian American support the program's effectiveness. (SLD)

A 15-year-old Navajo artist, R. D. Lee, tells about his heritage and his painting. To this adolescent, culture means believing in and living the traditions of family. Lee hopes to be known as Navajo to Navajos but still accepted as a person out in the world. (SLD)

A distinguishing feature of teaching and learning in traditional aboriginal cultures such as that of Native Americans is respect for the learner's unique way of knowing. Such practices complement the feminist perspective of education and are appropriate for faculty mentors of women college students. (MSE)

Describes two pilot programs at John Abbott College (Quebec) designed to increase the success of Inuit and Cree students. Reviews the literature on Native learning styles and appropriate teaching styles. Reflects on the (non-Native) author's experience teaching Native college students, the importance of the teacher-student relationship, and the…