Presents a rationale for introducing multiethnic studies into elementary and secondary social studies classrooms and explains how community resources can help students understand themselves and others. Learning activities based on the televised version of Alex Haley's "Roots" are suggested. (Author/DB)

Contends that barriers to effective education can be overcome by using the community as a living laboratory for social studies learning. Discusses out-of-school learning opportunities that meet four criteria: (1) goal relevance; (2) appropriate level of difficulty; (3) feasibility; and (4) cost effectiveness. (CFR)