Instructional materials are essential tools in the English language arts classroom. They allow students to interact with words, images, and ideas in ways that develop their abilities in multiple literacies such as reading, listening, viewing, thinking, speaking, writing, and technology. Because selection policies should reflect local interests and…

In the last issue of "American Educator," several scholars argued in favor of a common core curriculum. By common core, they meant that the curriculum should be broadly adopted (enabling improvements in instructional materials, student tests, and teacher training), but also limited (preserving instructional time for districts, schools,…

The results of the first systematic content analysis of free consumer curriculum materials indicate the extent to which such business sponsored materials are an advertising vehicle for their producers. The business sponsored materials in this sample of 116 items contain nearly twice as many advertising statements as the non-business materials.…

Reviews the advances in instructional technology during the past 60 years. Cautions that instructional materials are only as good as the minds that produce them. We must insist on computer materials that fulfill the potential of the medium. (MD)

Proposes that textbook publishers and educators collaborate in producing high-quality curriculum materials. Some of the materials would be customized to deal with the students' own environment. Representatives of two large publishing firms disagree and contend that the problem is school boards' unwillingness to pay for quality products. (MLF)

Offers practical advice for school boards about gifted programs, which can be both cost-effective and educationally beneficial. Examines the nature of various gifted programs, the budgets required to support these options, and a cost-benefit analysis of each. (MLF)

This document is a position statement of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics on instructional materials, including textbooks. First the point is made that the content, organization, and style of instructional materials are among the most important factors influencing outcomes of school mathematics programs. Then five standards are…

Complains that no one learns a second language from studying it at school. Attributes this problem to the fact that no opportunity exists for conversation to reinforce what is being learned. Suggests working in rotated pairs to provide conversational practice. Calls for bilingual texts and lessons and for taking advantage of having bilingual…

Textbooks should be selected to meet the needs of students and teachers. Making "a deal" can, in the long run, lead to textbooks that are more expensive and of poorer quality. Five ways to improve textbook selection are suggested. Some publishers' comments are included. (MLF)

This report describes activities and recommendations of the Texas Commission on Braille Textbook Production, which monitors the acquisition Commission on Braille Textbook Production. The primary purpose of the commission is to monitor the expeditious acquisition of publisher computerized files in the form of textbook diskettes which are needed for…

The long range plan outlined in this report is intended to influence the design of services in school and classroom environments in order to promote consistency of use of educational technology across diverse regions and school settings in California. The introduction discusses some of the major needs facing education today, and mandates, general…

Some basic concerns about the proliferation of computers in schools are stated: (1) Educational goals for children should be established as a first priority, then what computers can do to help achieve those goals should be examined; (2) Very few pieces of software are useful in schools, and teacher education programs should explore what is needed…

Describes a study in which the textbooks and specialized periodicals in information science used by 26 Brazilian library schools were grouped by 39 course topics and evaluated by various criteria. A methodology for identifying gaps in coverage by the available instructional materials and establishing priorities for production is presented. (8…

Contains three policy statements involving the use of animals for proper teaching of students, research, and the utilization of pound animals. Discusses the benefits to society of using animals in the biomedical sciences. (CW)

Discusses the question of how to teach former Soviet workers about market economics. Argues that the need for such training is a problem that must be solved immediately. Discusses government efforts to prepare relevant curricular materials and study aids. Calls for radical changes in the selection, training, and certification of teachers. (SG)