The national issue of school choice and the reduction and prevention of violence among youth are two issues that are critical for African-American educators, parents, youth, and education supporters. In addressing these problems, African-American educators must become role models of empowerment and advocacy for youth. (SLD)

Race has been the major determining factor in the development of education for Blacks in the United States. Blacks have always opposed White educational oppression and taken every opportunity to educate themselves. Suggests ways that Blacks can continue to combat racism in education. (FMW)

Uses Dunbar High School (Baltimore, Maryland) to illustrate a successful school improvement program. Recommends the following suggestions to improve Black education: (1) redirect teacher education; (2) sensitize others to the needs of Black children; and (3) reexamine Black parenting patterns. (FMW)

Rather than use their energies to explain their failures, Blacks need to develop strategies for success. Uses examples from the Atlanta Public Schools to illustrate how Blacks can use effective schools research to improve urban, Black education. (FMW)

Argues that Black education will not improve until Black citizens become actively involved in all phases of their children's education. Stresses the need for parent and community participation and teacher education. (FMW)

Discusses the social, economic, and political forces that have influenced Black education at the national, state, and local levels. Urges Black citizens and educators to participate in a wide range of activities to support school improvement. (FMW)

Surveys the historical development of literature written for African American children from the late nineteenth century to the present. Discusses trends in African American children's literature and assesses that literature's value in literacy education. Examines the selective tradition in children's literature and the depiction of African…

Focuses on recently published children's books by and about Blacks. Provides an overview of current African American authors and artists writing for elementary school children and examines themes, issues, and trends in their work. Discusses the role of literature in literacy development and its place in home and classroom activities. (AF)

Advances the following premises: (1) the thinking skills of low achievers should be cultivated as much as those of high achievers; (2) low achievers can be taught higher order thinking skills; and (3) the cultivation of effective thinking skills is at least as important as mastery of basics. Presents five recommendations for change. (AF)

Provides a reference base for teachers concerned with problems and issues of teaching foreign languages to Afro-American students in the United States. Cites 51 journal articles, unpublished documents, and doctoral dissertations that discuss rationales for foreign language study by Black students and describe teaching strategies and curriculum…

Large numbers of African Americans learn early in life that they fail to perform adequately in mathematics and science, resulting in helplessness syndromes. Learned helplessness in science and mathematics can be ameliorated through desensitization of mathematics phobia, freeing educational environments of crowding and noise, and special career…

To be effective in promoting scientific literacy, science teachers must be well prepared in their subject areas, have a firm understanding of the nature of science, and stay abreast of current technological advances affecting society. Science teachers must engage students in the science revolution by relating it to their lives. (AF)

A critical curriculum promoting mathematical literacy can be effective in involving more people of color in mathematics and science fields. A program that conveys the relevance of mathematics and statistical knowledge can be politically and socially empowering. Describes how ethnomathematics challenges the Eurocentric dichotomy between practical…

Contends that institutionalized Eurocentric curricula constantly reinforce racial and sexual inferiority complexes among people of color and women. Calls for the incorporation of world mathematical and scientific history and knowledge in the curriculum. Describes a radical pedagogy encouraging minority students to feel positive and self-assured…

Describes the success of the Escalante Math Program in East Los Angeles in teaching mathematics to poor minority students. Fundamental principles of the program include the following: (1) accountability; (2) hard work; (3) demand; (4) love; (5) parental involvement; (6) respect and values; (7) nutrition; and (8) drug use prevention. Discusses…