Selecting textbooks can be a difficult and overwhelming process. Inundated with choices of texts and supplemental materials, teachers have many factors to consider. This brochure is designed to assist with the process by offering both key questions for discussion and criteria for evaluating textbooks.

Provides a guide for selecting/evaluating textbooks for courses on marriage and family topics. Applies these guidelines to 13 introductory level textbooks published between 1984 and 1986. (JDH)

Reviews undergraduate public finance textbooks for content, difficulty, and ideology. Includes tables summarizing the percentage space devoted to specific topics in 13 popular textbooks. Offers suggestions for supplementary materials. (Author/DH)

The authors present a 20-item inventory for textbook selection designed to supplement the Fry Formula or the Raygor Estimate readability tests. The authors argue that a harmonious relationship should exist between the text, its author, its intended readers, and the instructor. (Author/PGD)

Examines Texas adoption process, described by author as having an inordinate impact on textbook market. Creationist opposition to evolution content in biological textbooks is well organized. Author presents 10 arguments made at hearing by creationists that he describes as a monument to scientific illiteracy. Asserts that creationists' confusion of…

Reviews the selection of screenwriting texts as well as other material available to the screenwriter teacher and screenwriter. Focuses on writing materials for film and prime time television only. (KEH)

Discusses content, perspective, and level of analysis of nine recent books suitable for use in an undergraduate course on the role of women in the labor market. Four books are judged more suitable as standard textbooks; the remaining five function better as collections of supplementary readings. (Author/DH)

Compares the advantages of multitext and single text approaches to literary study and advocates the multitext approach. (DD)

Discusses the possibility of grading authentic texts (those not specifically prepared) for language teaching. Grading would be based on the student activity required and the difficulty of comprehension of the text. Assumed background knowledge, layouts, and graphics are also discussed, along with some practical tips for text selection. (PJM)

Poses the theory that teaching is telling a story about the acquisition of knowledge. Explores the approaches of four composition textbooks using the pattern of heroic adventure (separation, initiation, and return) as a basis for comparison. Concludes that the implied educational values in texts should be considered conscientiously by teachers.…

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)

Discusses appropriate reading material selection in light of content area reading instruction. Presents some ideas for determining the difficulty level of textbooks and other materials. Concludes that teaching reading in the content areas is one way to focus on the process of reading as an instrument to develop cognitive skills and thought…