Cognitive mapping is widely used in elementary schools to create visual representation of text as an aid to learning. Mapping should be used at the secondary level also to facilitate learning of expository text or lectures. In addition to the traditional uses of mapping, it is useful for (1) providing a bridge or prelude to outlining, (2)…

This booklet is comprised primarily of the summaries of computerized readability assessments of sample passages from each story or chapter in a reading textbook series for grades one through eight. Introductory chapters offer discussions of the computerized readability assessment program used, the various uses of readability information about a…

Discusses the meaning of the federal court reversals on the "Mozert v. Hawkins County Board of Education" and "Smith v. Alabama State Board of Education" cases. (MD)

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)

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)

Integrates strategies and suggestions from professional books and articles to provide educators with an overview of components of the textbook selection process. Organizes the smorgasbord into three sections: the salad bar (initial screening), the main course (examination of textbooks), and the dessert bar (plans for implementation of the textbook…

Each section of the checklist lists questions which may be used to determine whether or not females are portrayed fairly in instructional materials. The sections, and some sample questions, are: (1) language--are non-parallel titles given for men and women? (Dr. Jones and Ellen); (2) occupational and social roles--is irrelevant information about a…

Argues that the development of an explicit reading approach focusing on the comprehension of Russian expository prose is long overdue. Recommends and discusses "The Contextual Approach to Russian" by Plank and Daugherty as a textbook which outlines a pragmatic strategy for reading and comprehending Russian expository prose. (SED)

An objective index-based textbook evaluation method that can be reliably applied to large collections of introductory textbooks is described. The method was designed to help teachers reduce the pool of available introductory texts to a manageable number for more in-depth treatments. Dimensions assessed were key concepts and major theorists…

This book is a guide to the evaluation and development of textbooks that focuses on the research on which they are based to the writing of the text. It also explores research into textbook effectiveness and provides an overview of the research in the field. The chapters are: (1) "Respondents' Opinions"; (2) "Evaluation of Textbooks by…

Describes the prevelance of sexist attitudes in modern language textbooks with many examples from dialogs and grammar exercises. Offers suggestions for combatting sex stereotyping. (EKN)

Criteria to serve as a basis for intelligent review and selection of books and materials for use in schools include: the nature of the learner; program gestalt; "teachability" of the material; determination of in-school use; content appropriateness; disposition of teacher, student, and parent; availability; physical format; cost; and…

Advice on selecting a reference book for the writing class and particular writing students. A classification of recommended, good, fair, and not recommended handbooks. (RL)

Offers suggestions, in the form of a rating questionnaire, that members of textbook selection committees can use to assure that textbooks are analyzed systematically and compared fairly. (RL)

A preliminary set of principles of judging the pedagogical utility of proposed grammar rules is offered. The goal is the inclusion in teaching materials of only those rules which are linguistically accurate, pedagogically sound, and relevant to specified instructional objectives. (Author)