Presents criteria which K-12 Canadian teachers should use to evaluate social studies materials. They should analyze curricula according to how the developers define the overall intent of the program, interpret history, indicate their images of man, employ kinds of knowledge, and typify key people and events. (RM)

In order to obtain a publishing contract, an author must usually submit a prospectus of the text which includes a description of the proposed text, an annotated table of contents, and sample chapters. (JN)

Recognizing that textbook adoption procedures and evaluation criteria vary from state to state or district to district, the authors present some general guidelines on screening and evaluation that should prove helpful to any elementary textbook adoption committee. (Author/SJL)

Notes that most textbooks used in teacher education classes fail to discuss adequately the issues of sex equity, sex bias, sex differences, and the social contributions of women. Offers a list of resources for providing sex equity in education. (RL)

Suggests sources which can guide schools in evaluating textbooks. (MKM)

The process of selecting a new textbook depends on whether the school board can select any textbook on the market or whether state funds can be spent only on textbooks of which the state has approved. Critics of the textbook selection process argue that much of what publishers offer has already been dictated by the 22 adoption states. (MLF)

Intended to help educators select textbooks that represent the highest standards of quality instruction, these guidelines describe major aspects of textbooks--of language arts instruction--considered essential. Following an introduction, the eight guidelines (whose features should be central to a program's design and should pervade the entire…

This handbook has been developed to assist school districts in the adoption of textbooks. The criteria for establishing a textbook selection process are included, as well as selection criteria for specific subject areas. Procedural steps are initially outlined for preliminary activities, book examination procedure, and implementation, and then a…

This paper suggests that teachers concentrate on the ideational and structural properties of text rather than on information acquired from readability formulas when selecting and using texts. Emphasis is given to the importance of context in the analysis of text, and a framework is suggested for examining the text considering the functions texts…

Three recent studies reveal that textbooks are ignoring the importance of religion and religious freedom in US history. The studies do not agree on what aspects of the topic should be included in classroom texts. (MD)

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)

Provides a checklist that considers "learnability" factors as well as "understandability" factors to use as an alternative to readability formulas. (MKM)

Focuses on the hybrid basic speech course textbook. Highlights some symptoms associated with many textbooks' failure to problematize communication, and discusses the potential negative impact on students' learning. Outlines foundations for an alternative approach in which the textbook is viewed as a multi-leveled discourse. (PA)

Presents three commentaries--by a teacher, a textbook author, and a textbook publisher--examining issues associated with elementary and secondary school textbooks. (MM)