Discussed is the importance of valence bond theory on the quantum-mechanical theory of chemical structure and the nature of the chemical bond. Described briefly are early VB theory, development of VB theory, modern versions, solid-state applications, models, treatment in textbooks, and flaws in criticisms of valence bond theory. (KR)

Analysis of the cultural content of Spanish textbooks used in New York secondary schools revealed that the majority of Spanish-speaking countries and Spanish-speaking groups within the United States were underrepresented. Photographs and references tended to depict the middle and upper classes, and few references were made to poverty,…

Responds to and disagrees with Kaltsounis's critique of the author's report "American History Textbooks: An Assessment of Quality." Answers each of Kaltsounis's criticisms, and reiterates several main points from Sewall's report, including recommendations for U.S. history textbook reform. (LS)

Indicates and describes items that are incorrect in textbooks and a teacher edition of Discover SCIENCE for K-6. (YP)

Analyzes high school economics textbooks through an examination of the questions that textbooks traditionally address about economic production: What, how much, and how will something be produced, and who gets the product? Considers teachers' relationships to economic textbooks and courses. Concludes that textbooks should be more relevant to…

Discusses criteria for writing, designing, and selecting a physics text including topics covered, target students, diverse problems, and focused content. (YP)

Stating that the primary function of textbooks is to transmit quantity and quality of knowledge, Woodward argues that photographs and other design features should be relevant to the topic, extending learning beyond the written text. Presents recommendations for evaluating the instructional quality of textbook photographs. (GEA)

Five series of mathematics textbooks for grades seven and eight were examined to see the kinds, amounts, uses, and suggestions for writing included. Few writing activities and very few longer writing tasks were found. (MNS)

Compares the chemistry textbooks used in China's elite schools with those used in other levels. Comparisons indicate that the textbooks differ only in the quantity of material required. (MDH)

Describes content of 50 introductory sociology textbooks in their coverage of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) disease. Reports that, although by 1987 HIV was covered in 26 texts, many aspects were neglected. Concludes teachers should concentrate on slighted areas including the difference between…

Project Adventure's adventure-based counseling text, "Islands of Healing," uses language and simplistic conceptions of individualism and community to create an ecology of ideas. In this framework, moral and social complexities of modern life are exchanged for an artificial cyberspace-like microworld where unthinking acquiescence to group…

Reveals that many texts on interviewing have significant shortcomings regarding the legalities of illegal interview questions and discrimination. Discusses parameters in filing a discrimination charge. Discusses illegal questions and proof of discrimination, as well as the consequences of discrimination in organizations. (PRA)

Discusses five history textbooks commonly used in schools and homes in the United States prior to the Civil War. Describes the style, reading level, and content of the books. Concludes that the books promoted a sense of nationalism related to the political development and ideals of the United States at that time. (CFR)

Investigates aspects of the coverage of bioethical issues, especially environmental issues, in Japanese and German biology textbooks for lower secondary schools. Findings show that German textbooks devote more space to these issues and have a more appealing presentation style than Japanese textbooks. Teaching ethical viewpoints in biology is…

Attempts to facilitate the text selection process for introductory psychology teachers by enabling them to match the level of the text with their students' ability level. Examines 37 introductory psychology textbooks published from 1995-1997 to determine text levels (high, middle, or lower level). Discusses the findings in detail. (CMK)