The quality of elementary education has been highly dependent on factors beyond a child's control--sex, race, economic situation, geographical location, and time in history. It is also shaped by the people who control the education--the teachers, administrators, and governing officials--and by the goals they design. This module explores these variations as they have affected the elementary schooling of black girls and women in the South since 1865. It is the first of four modules designed to help educators learn more about the double bias that has faced southern black women in American schools since the Civil War. The following topics are discussed: (1) education during reconstruction; (2) the decline of public support for black education from 1877 to 1900; (3) women's life and teaching in late 19th century black classrooms; (4) interest in designing an appropriate black education, 1900-30; (5) early 20th century school life; and (6) school experience in the mid-20th century. Sidebars include excerpts from the diary of a New England teacher; excerpts from other texts showing the role of women in the 19th century; an interview with an urban black girl at the turn of the century; a description of rural school life, 1914-15; questions for discussion; activities for enrichment; and a bibliography. Several black and white photographs are included. (PS)