In the fall of 1984, the Education Commission of the States (ECS) was awarded a grant from the U.S. Secretary of Education's Discretionary Fund to identify alternative state roles for improving instructional materials in mathematics. To help state leaders define an appropriate and effective role in upgrading these materials, ECS proposed first to…

Proposes that textbook publishers and educators collaborate in producing high-quality curriculum materials. Some of the materials would be customized to deal with the students' own environment. Representatives of two large publishing firms disagree and contend that the problem is school boards' unwillingness to pay for quality products. (MLF)

Suggests that more attention be paid by biochemistry textbook authors to the breadth of contemporary learning strategies, given the fact that an increasing number of medical schools have adopted an integrated, self-paced, problem-based curriculum. Discusses the theoretical characteristics desirable in the ideal biochemistry textbook. (JJK)

This document is a position statement of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics on instructional materials, including textbooks. First the point is made that the content, organization, and style of instructional materials are among the most important factors influencing outcomes of school mathematics programs. Then five standards are…

Textbooks should be selected to meet the needs of students and teachers. Making "a deal" can, in the long run, lead to textbooks that are more expensive and of poorer quality. Five ways to improve textbook selection are suggested. Some publishers' comments are included. (MLF)

Reports on a study trip by 13 U.S. social studies educators and publishers to Japan. Compares development, marketing, and selection of textbooks in the United States and Japan. Concludes that both nations should improve textbooks and textbook selection processes. (CFR)

In 1985, People for the American Way released its first review of biology textbooks that was inspired by the ongoing controversy over whether or not (and how) evolution should be taught in public school classrooms. The purpose of this review is to gauge how successful the response of educators and scientists have been at convincing publishers that…

In a study designed to determine the impact of state curriculum initiatives on curriculum framework, student assessment, and textbook adoption in the science curriculum, researchers interviewed state education agency staff, completed four case studies in four districts, and surveyed 100 school districts at random in each of the three diverse…

Many feel that textbooks dominate what students learn. They set the curriculum and often the facts learned in most subjects. For many students, textbooks are their first and sometimes only early exposure to books and to reading. The public regards textbooks as authoritative, accurate and necessary and many teachers rely on them to organize lessons…

Discusses the conflicts and controversies associated with public acceptance of certain teaching materials and textbooks. Cites specific court cases and outlines the issues involved in the adoption process. Reviews efforts taken by different states in addressing the quality of instructional materials. (ML)

This document addresses the complex issues surrounding the production, selection, and use of textbooks in the context of the current educational reform movement. The first section discusses the need for textbook reform, examining the problems associated with their content, presentation, and supplementary materials. The second section discusses the…

Examines college (introductory level) biology textbooks commonly used since 1950. Reports trends in new textbooks including length, graphics and content. Makes projections of future trends. Identifies major issues facing colleges related to biology textbook users. (CW)

This analysis exemplifies Texas as 1 of 22 "adoption states" that select textbooks according to systematic state criteria and interprets this approach in relation to textbook reform efforts. Survey data of state committee members' ranking of criteria during the initial selection phase revealed that the top three criteria were…

In compliance with Title 14, Section 12 of the Delaware Code, this document sets forth statewide policies and guidelines developed by the Delaware State Board of Education for selecting textbooks and other educational materials. After a brief introduction and a policy statement, recommendations are provided to local school districts for…

Because textbooks are essential instructional tools, they should play a major role in educational reform for excellence. Despite improvements in response to ethnic and women's movements, deterioration in textbook quality has occurred through competition for markets. Former Secretary of Education Terrel Bell observed in 1984 that educators should…