Labor economics textbooks for use with college students were surveyed. Information concerning intended audience, content, and teaching aids is provided for each text. Criteria used in evaluating the texts is provided. (RM)

Presents criteria parents and teachers can use to select song books for young children. Several such books are cited and briefly discussed, including some thematic collections of folk and Christmas songs. (SJL)

Offers advice to sufferers of "textbookitis:" (1) writing textbooks are not necessary for high school classes; (2) the best language textbook is a dictionary--money not spent on a writing textbook could be spent on sets of dictionaries; and (3) literature anthologies can be useful additions to the writing classroom. (RL)

Discusses factors that psychology professors should consider when selecting a textbook for introductory courses. These include readability, human interest level, comprehensiveness, and authoritative accuracy of the material. (RM)

Presents a case study of a controversy resulting from the state textbook review process used in New Mexico. As a result of citizen projects, educators were forced to improve evaluation procedures and to reexamine their attitudes toward public involvement in education. Suggestions for effective handling of textbook protests are included. (AM)

Many corporations and vested interest groups prepare free or inexpensive educational materials for the schools. The authors present guidelines teachers can use to screen such material for objectivity, accuracy, appropriateness, and feasibility. (SJL)

Discusses technical writing textbooks and assignments that can be used in advanced courses in technical writing. (RL)

The multitext approach to the teaching of English allows for more teacher control over course content, greater variety in subject matter, easier provision for individual differences, and less financial expenditure. (DD)

Describes teaching techniques for using the multitext approach to English to motivate high school students. (DD)

A review of research on writing textbooks suggests that in general, they do not reflect current theories in either content or instructional approach. Examination of some second language writing textbooks reveals three types: (1) those with a traditional approach emphasizing grammar, form, and models; (2) books acknowledging but not integrating new…

An alternative to readability formulas and achievement tests to let high school students read orally and then recount what they read. Vocabulary scores and oral reading rates were demonstrated as the best predictors of test performance with a minimum oral reading rate of 135 words per minute necessary to profit from textbooks. (Author/DB)

The Raygor Readability Estimate, described in this article, is much like the widely used Fry Readability Graph, except that it determines vocabulary difficulty by counting words of six or more letters, rather than by counting syllables. An evaluation found that Raygor was faster and easier to use and more objective than the Fry method. (RM)

Adult leisure piano classes and other piano classes differ in many ways. Adult leisure classes require different objectives, textbooks, scheduling, and lesson plans. (Author/AM)

Discusses why teachers must help to review and/or select textbooks on a regular basis and how they can participate in this process. A slightly revised edition of the criteria used by the State of Michigan Social Studies Review Steering Committee illustrates critical factors that must be considered in evaluating textbooks. (SR)

Presents a checklist developed by the International Reading Association's Committee for Basic Education and Reading, which is designed to help teachers select materials to meet the special needs and interests of adult basic education learners and to make objective judgments based on a clear evaluation process. (MKM)