Two articles address issues in the development of French and Spanish language programs in elementary schools: instructional materials and time and money factors. The information presented is drawn from experience in developing the Radford, Virginia FLES (Foreign Language in the Elementary School) program. The first article describes some aspects…

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…

This handbook is designed to provide basic background information on the social studies curriculum, as well as current information on publications, standards, and special materials for K-12 social studies. The introduction provides an overview of the ideologies and philosophies that have affected U.S. curriculum through the years. The volume is…

Produced as a part of an evaluatic research study, this volume includes descriptions and critiques of 14 sets of economic education reviews print materials for teaching economics to grades 7-10 that were prepared by economists and middle school teachers. The materials for evaluation were selected by searching the Education Resources Information…

California state-adopted commercial art and music instructional materials are described to aid state school districts in matching instructional materials with curriculum goals and objectives. Information is provided in three sections. An annotated index gives pertinent information about each program, including title, year of copyright, and grade…

An annotated bibliography and advisory list of instructional media for the social studies has been designed to identify competency goals for a new competency-based curriculum. The grade range is noted at the end of each entry and indicates the general interest grade level and the specific grades and competency goals to which the materials relate…

Some of the problems concerning the selection of science textbooks are discussed. A specific procedure for evaluating textbooks which uses questioning levels as a criterion is presented. Textbooks are compared with simple statistical methods using this method. (CW)

This collection brings together the best minds in education to explore the literacy-science connection and to reduce the lack of understanding between the science and humanities communities. The articles cover a range of topics and perspectives, from quasitheoretical pieces and literature reviews to case studies and evaluations of particular…

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)

Intended for primary school teachers involved in social studies instruction, this paper offers guidelines for selecting and using children's literature to teach social studies concepts. The paper first deals with selecting children's literature works, presenting basic considerations relating children's developmental stages to characteristics of…

This reference is intended for teachers who are responsible for selecting textbooks for biology or life science courses. The publication provides reviewers with a compilation of 10 biology and 7 life science textbook reviews. Using this document as a resource, teachers can save valuable time by reducing the number of books they review and pilot…

Traces the changes in the visuals used in U.S. history textbooks since the 1900s, concentrating on contemporary texts. Provides questions educators can use in assessing the educational value of textbook visuals. Critiques current textbook visuals, and suggests ways that they enhance understanding of educational information. (RW)

Discussed is the importance or unimportance of including visuals and illustrations in science textbooks. Characteristics of visuals, misconceptions, individual student differences, publishers views, and recommendations to science teachers when choosing science texts are included. (KR)

Analyses of elementary and secondary social studies textbooks, supplementary materials, and teacher resource materials, all published in 1982 and 1983, are presented. The objective is to provide a review of curriculum materials which will allow K-12 teachers, administrators, curriculum coordinators, and college methods teachers to select…

Programs for California state-adopted social studies instructional materials are described to aid state school districts in matching instructional materials with curriculum goals and objectives. Information is provided in three sections. An annotated index gives pertinent information about each program, including title, year of copyright, and…