A study examined three recent language arts textbook programs for grades one through six to determine the frequency of writing activities, the nature of the writing tasks, and the frequency of process-approach activities such as selecting topics, prewriting, sharing, revising, and publishing. The programs analyzed were Scott, Foresman's "Language:…

To determine whether social studies texts used in the intermediate grades of British Columbia (Canada) schools were easier than those analyzed in a 1974 study, the Fry Readability formula was applied to all the grade 4-7 social studies texts prescribed and authorized for use in 1979-1980. It was found that the British Columbia texts are extremely…

A study (1) surveyed the views of educators and textbook publishers regarding suitable reading levels of textbooks used for instruction in reading and content area subjects; (2) examined preferences for difficulty of reading textbooks considering students' achievement levels and for reading content area textbooks when selections are made for…

Research has shown that secondary school teachers are generally unable to rank text passages accurately according to their reading difficulty. To determine if this was true of elementary and middle school personnel, 177 teachers, administrators, and supervisors attending a summer reading workshop were asked to rank order each of five 100-word…

Two representative samples of expository prose from sixth grade textbooks (one in science and one in social studies) were analyzed for clarity of explanation. Four text criteria were applied to the analyses: structure, unity, coherence, and audience appropriateness. The results of the analysis suggested that many children's textbooks are not…

In the summer of 1971, the Adult Learning Center decided to conduct a one-year, research-based field test of programmed instructional materials specifically designed to teach disadvantaged adults to read. The four programs tested for effectiveness were Programmed Reading for Adults, Building Reading Power, Reading Series, and Building Your…

The report documents the results of a national survey of book publishing firms and aviation maintenance technician schools to (1) identify the text materials used in the training of aviation mechanics; (2) appraise the suitability and availability of identified text materials; and (3) determine the adequacy of the text materials in meeting the…

The target population of this project consists of students enrolled in four regional vocational education centers which serve selected students who desire to receive enriched and specialized vocational education during the 11th and 12th years of public school. The project goals for the first year related to identification of students' reading…

This book, published by the Council on Interracial Books for Children, presents a content analysis instrument for assessing the portrayal of women and third world peoples in U.S. History textbooks. Thirteen textbooks published since 1970 and one which was published in 1967 are examined for their treatment of six groups: women, African Americans,…

This study focuses on two tasks: (1) the development of a general procedure for evaluation of social studies textbooks which could be adapted to any locale, which could be used at any grade level, and which might be applied to other subject areas, and (2) to illustrate the suggested procedure at the fifth-grade level. The procedure involves the…

Four readability indices that focus on the ease of comprehension of printed material are applied to industrial education textbooks for senior high school students. Grade reading levels by subject areas for the four indices are presented in tables, charts, and text. Certain conclusions about the readability techniques studied are suggested. (MF)

Reports on a study designed to investigate possible patterned differences in the content of science textbooks and its functional/dysfunctional role in socialization for scientific careers. Discusses instrument development and rationale and presents results comparing use of textbooks in middle-class and working class districts. (ML)

This study examined role models presented in primary-, fourth-, and seventh-grade basal readers and across basal series. Findings conclude that since children are influenced by models, basal authors should include role models who read and write frequently, with pleasure and variety. Teachers should provide live modeling or point out basal role…

Reports on a content analysis of 14 textbooks on endocrinology. Using thyrotoxicosis as the content maker, the study indicated major differences between books with regard to the information provided and the number of words devoted to the subject. Suggests that medical teachers selecting textbooks be aware of such differences. (TW)

Focuses on the development of materials to help textbook adoption committees evaluate the instructional quality of commercially developed basal reading programs. Describes the development of the Adoption Guidelines Booklets. (Author/NH)