Reviewed are 12 programs, texts, supplements, kits, and teacher references for various grade levels, including two new basic math series for the elementary grades; geometry, statistics, and prealgebra texts; and three guidebooks on using electronic calculators in secondary-level math. (SJL)

Ten science textbooks (4,393 pages) for grades 6 and 7 were examined for their treatment of five top-ranked global problem issues (population growth, war technology, world hunger and food resources, air quality and atmosphere, and water resources). Implications for science education curricula from this content analysis are discussed. (SLD)

In an investigation of the characteristics of "considerate" text, defined as informative, content area text that promotes student comprehension, learning and remembering, this report presents a prototypical chapter of considerate text on American history following the Revolutionary War and a commentary on the writing. Beginning with the…

In summer 1981, at the request of Alberta Education, an evaluation study was undertaken of all learning resources presently listed in "Alberta Social Studies Learning Resources for Elementary Schools" and "Alberta Social Studies Learning Resources for Secondary Schools," including recommended and required resources, as well as…

A study examined 20 beginning college interpersonal or relational communication textbooks to determine the degree to which they dealt with any or all of 10 specific communication competencies. The 10 competencies, targeted from numerous other evaluation systems and scales, are as follows: (1) describing feelings, (2) initiating and maintaining…

Provides an evaluation of a 30-year experience in teaching Italian to German-speaking elementary school children in an upper northeast region of Italy. Analyzes degrees of bilingualism and sociocultural contact, emphasizing the need for culturally oriented, carefully structured materials and instruction by specially trained teachers. (MES)

Analyzes in two fifth-grade social studies textbooks, the production of three "foundation myths" relating to Chicanos in American history: (1) Texas independence and the Alamo, (2) the Mexican War, and (3) the 20-century struggle for civil rights. How these contribute to cultural degradation is discussed. (SLD)

Kentucky is one of twenty-four states that rely upon a state adoption process for selecting school textbooks, a procedure that occurs every six years. Publishers' bids are solicited and evaluated by the State Textbook Commission, and the Textbook Selection Criteria Committee for Reading makes recommendations that will be of help to people…

Six eclectic basal readers were evaluated to determine what basal readiness programs are teaching kindergarten and early first grade children. Each lesson was analyzed to discover the main purpose of instruction as stated in an objective or skill and the actual requirements placed upon the child during instruction. Using the recommendations from…

This paper gives results of a review of 41 high school, junior high school, and college algebra and mathematics textbooks. The review focuses on two facets of the curriculum: (1) the presentation of the concept of variable; and (2) word problems and the presentation of problem solving skills. With regard to the variable concept it was concluded…

Teachers of business English and business communication must carefully evaluate the business English phenomena presented in textbooks, especially American textbooks used in foreign countries. An analysis of American texts illustrates an approach to teaching basic speaking and writing skills through simple rules, unrealistic examples, and lessons…

Compares two methods of teaching in two grade seven science classes in Ontario (Canada) that illustrate how students can attain different sets of objectives while mastering the same subject matter topic. Shows how different sets of classroom events can be interpreted in terms of differing curriculum emphases. (Author/LC)

The role that evaluation can play in educational reform in China is discussed, drawing on an ongoing study of present evaluation practices and the identification, development, and evaluation of texts and materials for teaching university students about evaluation. Case studies of evaluation in Shanghai illustrate current practices. (SLD)

Evolution by natural selection provides the conceptual framework upon which much of modern biology is based: therefore understanding core ideas about biological evolution is an essential part of scientific literacy. Nonetheless, research repeatedly shows that high school and college students have difficulties understanding the notion of natural…

This article examines the reflection of national goals and ideologies in the civic education curricula of Mainland China and Taiwan. A comparison of junior secondary school textbooks from the 1950s and the 1990s shows how the curriculum embodies the states' changing national priorities and justificatory ideologies. Specifically, in the early…