GENESIS OF TEXTBOOK DEVELOPMENT SECTOR IN THE UKRAINIAN DIASPORA OF THE USA

Abstract

The analysis of the genesis of the textbooks design sector in the Ukrainian school in the USA shows that its development has passed several periods. Each of the four periods identified by author has its own peculiarities. The first period – the initial period (the beginning of 19-th century – 1920-s of the 20-th century) and partly the second one – the transition period (1920–1950-s) is characterized by using of textbooks brought by the Ukrainians to the USA from the so called «old land». The third period – systemic (1950–1990-s of 20 century) is characterized by the creation of a Center for Management of the Ukrainian schools in the USA, the School Board at the UCCA; by introduction of new programs, textbooks, teaching aids for different subjects. The fourth period – complex (early 90-s of the 20-th century and till now) is characterized by the following features: an active update of the content of textbooks in Ukrainian language, literature, geography, history and culture of Ukraine; by creation and application of sets of textbooks, primers. The fact that the Ukrainian language is not a mother tongue for the most schoolchildren attending diaspora schools should be taken into account. The author shows the importance of the educational function of the textbook for the formation of national-patriotic feelings among the young generation of the Ukrainian diaspora in the USA.