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)

Discusses (1) the publishing company practice of altering literary works to conform to the extraliterary beliefs of various groups, (2) the groups prominent in such censorship activities and their actions, (3) the influence of this censorship on literature textbook selection, and (4) some works altered by censorship activities. (EL)

Presents opposing views concerning the effects of the publishing industry on the English curriculum. (JL)

Creative interchange enables people to appreciate and absorb the experiences of others. Creative interchange, as one answer to the problem of selecting instructional materials in a diverse society, promotes thinking in a context of goodness (knowledge, love, and truth) which a broad spectrum of society can support. (Author/SJL)

Considers factors contributing to the increased dependence on textbooks by secondary and college English teachers, including increased teacher workloads, decreased funds, and expanded community pressures. (JT)

Representative, delegated school governance by elected officials intrinsically vests curricular control in those officials. Because their offices are created so that the schools may be governed, they have authority to govern the schools--even especially--in the delicate and critical areas of deciding how and what the schools shall teach.…

Responds to critical commentary about the authors' article, "The Great Speckled Bird" (1993), which addressed educational policymaking within a social context characterized by multicultural backlash. The authors point to their critics' attempts to deflect from the article's main focus, how these educational policies came to be, by…

Suggests that more attention be paid by biochemistry textbook authors to the breadth of contemporary learning strategies, given the fact that an increasing number of medical schools have adopted an integrated, self-paced, problem-based curriculum. Discusses the theoretical characteristics desirable in the ideal biochemistry textbook. (JJK)

Replicates an earlier study in which students read versions of passages rewritten by composition instructors, text linguists, or Time-Life writers. Finds that the composition instructor's revisions were the most effective. Points out methodological lessons learned. Comments on some conclusions on improving textbook design and the measures used in…

In "Mozert," fundamentalist parents claim that the reading curriculum interfered with their right to transmit religious values to their children. The district court fashioned an excusal scheme; however, the Sixth Circuit reversed this decision. Reviews the facts, analyzes points of law left unresolved, and discusses the broader…

A discussion of second language reading instruction to develop language proficiency examines the concept of reading proficiency, the reading processes used by native speakers and language learners, the importance of top-down and bottom-up reading, activating predicting and projecting skills, the difference between reading at the peak of one's…

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…

Although professors have been criticized for requiring the use of their own published textbooks in the classroom, this practice can be justified if certain ethical standards govern the choice. Granted that the philosophical congruity involved in such a choice guarantees a level of compatibility between the textbook and teacher, the use of text…

Clarifies and explains the ideologies and potential justifications of censorship efforts. Offers recommendations and procedures for maintaining an atmosphere with ample freedom to learn and positive community relations. (JDH)

A law school teacher describes her response to the incorrect and insensitive treatment of rape in a criminal law textbook, including analysis and criticism of the text's content and communication with the publisher about it. (MSE)