The book "China Is Unhappy" that made the list of best sellers not so long ago is blowing like an icy wind in spring and is poisoning the nation's mental state as though laden with a virus of unhappiness. Those who are most susceptible to it are groups of underage persons with mentalities that are still fragile and young people who have…

During the past 30 years, the author has worked with children and young adults from ages 3 to 18 (not to mention teachers, families, administrators, lecturers, and visiting authors), and she has read a lot of books. Because there are so many kids' books being published these days, she is not expecting total perfection. Still, there are many things…

Readability formulas may detract from textbook quality. They overlook text and reader characteristics that affect comprehension. Moreover, average "readability levels" ignore wide variations within texts and between scales. The shortened sentences and simplified vocabulary used to conform texts to formulas sacrifice precision and connectedness,…

Describes how the author of "Molly's Pilgrim" struggled to retain the religious references in her story when it was adapted for a grade school reading textbook. (KH)

Elucidates general principles that need to undergird economics textbooks. States that they should at least provide a combination of data and theory, where the theory explains the data which, in turn, illustrates the theory. Concludes that texts should transmit real knowledge of complex systems and economies so that future disastrous mistakes might…

Presents a point-counterpoint discussion focusing on four issues involved in the positive and negative values of using textbooks: (1) encyclopedic or comprehensive; (2) third-hand sources or efficient compilations; (3) expensive or cost effective; and (4) authors, known and unknown. Suggests that textbook adoption decisions should be based on the…

The problem with textbooks reflects the deeper uncertainties in our culture. As a society, we have lost sight of what it is we want our children to learn. (Author/GC)

Elementary social studies textbooks in the United States are better today than they have ever been before. Changes in the educational climate, the textbook evaluation process, and the marketplace have led to vast improvements in published materials. (RM)

Presents remarks of seven participants in a symposium which discussed Frances FitzGerald's study of history textbooks, "America Revised: History Schoolbooks in the Twentieth Century." Participants responded to the book's indictment that most scholars do not take textbooks seriously. (Author/KC)

Industry-produced materials may reveal reprehensible bias. (DS)

Contends that if textbooks are to be improved it is essential that teachers, administrators, and textbook selectors become more demanding and discriminating consumers. Examines various textbook components that need improvement such as: (1) photographs; (2) basic skills exercises; (3) worksheets; and (4) content. (BSR)

Basal reading, science, and social studies textbooks for elementary school students are too often stilted, boring, inaccurate, and/or confusing. If the children are to enjoy learning, textbook content and quality must be improved. (GC)

One of a series dealing with current issues affecting language arts instruction, this paper brings into focus some of the issues surrounding textbooks in the schools so that informed decisions can be made regarding textbook selection and use. The major portion of the paper explores professional opinions regarding textbooks, noting the following:…

A three-part review process is proposed as an aid to textbook selection for college courses. After an introductory discussion of the importance of developing standards and criteria for selecting course texts, the three-phase process is presented. The initial phase involves the establishment of departmental criteria for textbooks, which may be…

Discusses the problems involved in textbook publication, stressing the importance of providing a broad-gauged national history in the face of opposition from religious and other special interest groups. Expresses the need for educators and others to form advocacy groups or lobby for improved textbook writing and content. (GEA)