Following a description of their evaluative criteria, the authors demonstrate its application on two recently published textbook series, Investigating Man's World" and The Social Sciences: Concepts and Values." (Author/JB)

The most obvious clue of the general absence of prosociality in social studies texts is the general omission of prosocial concepts in their organizing frameworks. Practical ideas for infusing social studies curricula with prosocial content are presented. (RM)

Describes a study which analyzed 10 current and widely used secondary U.S. history textbooks for their coverage of the Vietnam War to determine their accuracy, completeness, and objectivity. Most of the textbooks studied offered a too sketchy account of the Vietnam War. Certain key topics are often neglected. (RM)

Discusses a graduate course on teaching the Vietnam War in which 15 secondary teachers participated. Analyzes the shortcomings of textbooks, particularly in the coverage of the human aspects of the war. Notes methods used by some participants to increase student interest in the subject. (GEA)

Nine current texts were reviewed. Errors were classified under three categories: cartographic, pictorial, and textual. (VW)

The article discusses a study to measure the readability of eight junior high school American history textbooks including "American History for Today" (Ginn and Company, 1977), "America! America" (Scott, Foresman, 1980), "Quest for Liberty: Investigating United States History" (Addison-Wesley, 1974), and "The American Adventure" (Allyn and Bacon,…

As much as 90 percent of classroom instructional time is structured by instructional materials, especially textbook. Research shows, however, that textbooks alone are not enough. Analyses of elementary grade social studies textbooks reveal that the breadth is too wide and the depth too shallow. Specific examples are provided. (RM)

Analyzes information in social studies textbooks in the United States regarding the history of the USSR. Identifies major problems, including failure to take the work of Soviet scholars into account, political bias, oversimplification, distortion of the truth and failure to highlight achievements of Russian culture, science, and sociopolitical…

Discusses the assessment criteria, methodology, findings, and onclusions of Gilbert T. Sewall's 1987 report: American History Textbooks: An Assessment of Quality (SO 018 768). Contends that the report reveals that standard research procedures were implemented poorly, if at all. Criticizes the selection of the review panel and concludes that the…

Reports the results of a study of 12 recently published U.S. history textbooks' content on the Vietnam War. Concludes that, overall, the textbooks of the mid-1980s provide an improved treatment of the war when compared to earlier books. States that texts still lack depth on the topic, making use of supplementary materials as necessary. (GEA)

Publishers' representatives responded to questions concerning textbook content and use and a series of questions are presented which provide an effective means of evaluating textbooks. Analyses of a few of the presently available textbooks and textbook programs reflecting curriculum reform in the social studies are included. (JB)

Presents a case study of a controversy resulting from the state textbook review process used in New Mexico. As a result of citizen projects, educators were forced to improve evaluation procedures and to reexamine their attitudes toward public involvement in education. Suggestions for effective handling of textbook protests are included. (AM)

Textbooks of eight publishing firms were identified, analyzed for their treatment of minority groups in the United States, and each review was then responded to by publishers agents. (JB)

An examination of 19 world and U.S. history textbooks showed that overall, the texts give scant attention to nuclear war and arms limitation. The inclusion of a course in contemporary issues for grade 12 might be one way to help resolve this problem. (RM)

The author concludes that what is needed--besides more information on women in history--is a new attitude: one which departs from the bias of traditional views of women, and treats both men and women as partners in society. (JB)