Development of Social Science Curriculum Units on Mexican-American Culture

FAIN: ES-10057-69

Educational Systems Cooproation (Washington, DC)
Arthur Palacios (Project Director: May 1969 to present)

Development of curriculum materials in the social sciences for Mexican-American students, with dissemination of results in five Southwestern states. ABSTRACT: Development of curriculum materials in the social sciences for Mexican-American students, with dissemination of results in five Southwestern states. Concentration on several areas: 1) 16 curriculum units with teachers' manuals, high school and junior high level, centering on prominent figure in Mexican history and designed to encourage sense of cultural identity; 2) 6 children's books at the elementary level (grade 4); 3) film-strip focusing on aspects of Mexican history. Additional units developed under NEH grant EO-253-70-4650. Traditional curricula tend to ignore the Mexican culture and present the Mexican-American child with Dick-and-Jane type, "Anglo" curriculum materials. Child is unable to identify with visual materials presented and is often hampered in learning to read because the content of the primary books not only reflects middle class values different from the child's own but also ignores his individual heritage. To reverse the high drop-out rate and low literacy level among Mexican Americans it is necessary to present materials which recognize their values and the worth of their culture. Funds for salaries, consultants, publication costs