Content and performance-mode codes were used in a page-by-page examination of seven commonly used spelling series in a study of the content of elementary spelling instruction and the kinds of spelling practice provided by current spelling texts. The codes were processed by computer to permit analysis of what is taught. Results showed that most…

Reports the results of a study designed to determine whether eight widely used elementary basal social studies textbook series contained more "back-to-basics" content in 1979-82 than they did 10 years prior during the rise of the "new social studies." The data showed a marked influence of back-to-basics in all of these series.…

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)

Investigates whether analogical reasoning is included in four major basal reading series and, if so, the nature of such instruction. Finds that three of the four series examined taught analogical reasoning directly, but that the nature and extent of each series' instructional recommendations varied widely. (RS/JAD)

Focuses on books, booklets, and position papers that would be useful reading for educators involved in making decisions about selecting materials for schools. Discusses guidelines for judging and selecting textbooks and studies and readings on textbooks. (PRA)

Major investigations have shown that children care little for social studies as a school subject. Therefore, a closer look was taken at social studies textbooks in order to ascertain if the reading difficulty of the texts was an important cause behind the children's dislike. This study evaluated the reading levels of 41 social studies texts…

A READING PROJECT WAS INITIATED BY THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION IN INDIA TO (1) PRODUCE TEXTBOOKS AND WORKBOOKS, FIELD TEST THE BOOKS, AND TRAIN TEACHERS TO USE THEM, (2) PRODUCE TEACHERS MANUALS, (3) CONSTRUCT FIRST-GRADE TESTS, (4) CONSTRUCT ACHIEVEMENT TESTS, AND (5) PRODUCE THESE BOOKS IN HINDI. THE ENSUING GUIDE FOR THOSE WHO WRITE AND…

A study to check on the efficacy of the teaching methods used in "Language Basics Plus," a basal elementary language arts program published by Harper and Row, involved a pretest, treatment, and mastery test procedure used with more then 3,000 elementary students. Results of the prepublication learner verification study indicated that the…

A reading project was initiated by the National Institute of Education in India to (1) produce textbooks and workbooks, field test the books, and train teachers to use them, (2) produce teachers manuals, (3) construct first-grade tests, (4) construct achievement tests, and (5) produce these books in Hindi. The ensuing guide for those who write and…

Analyzes three popular series of primary textbooks to provide a picture of how the current curriculum contributes to the roles of establishing proficiency in arithmetic and proceptual thinking as a foundation for learning algebra. Shows that textbooks emphasize procedural knowledge and neglect developing a conceptual understanding of mathematics.…

This report presents a detailed analysis of "Discover Art," an elementary textbook series by Laura Chapman. The study was guided by a large set of framing questions requiring a detailed examination of the series' goals, rationale, and structure; content selection, organization, and emphasis; the coherence of content explication in the…

To determine the frequency of simple main ideas (explicit statements found in a single T-unit), delayed completion main ideas (explicit statements using no more than two T-units), and inferred main ideas in social studies textbooks, 100 passages from second, fourth, sixth, and eighth grade textbooks were analyzed. Results of the study revealed…

The preparation of spelling skills indices, which may be used to describe the spelling content commonly taught in textbooks and the performance modes used to practice this content, is outlined in this paper. Separate sections discuss the preliminary analysis that was performed; the establishment of a Content Index that specifies major categories…

It was the purpose of this study to determine the readability level of all social studies textbooks authorized for purchase in the adoption made by the Textbook Commission of the Indiana State Board of Education on December 12, 1968 for five years beginning July 1, 1969. A thorough search of the literature and research did not reveal that their…

To determine whether the distribution of male and female main character roles (sex dominance) differed significantly in the 1976-1978 editions of basal readers and supplementary textbooks from that found in the 1974-1976 editions examined by Gwyneth E. Britton and Margaret C. Lumpkin, an analysis of more than 3,700 stories was undertaken. The sex…