Reports the results of a study to determine whether males and females in basal reading textbooks have the same treatment concerning personality traits and representation. (JM)

Notes that primary and intermediate grade teachers rely heavily on basal readers for instruction and offers the advantages of and guidelines for using a skill trace approach to tracking selected skills across the program, as an evaluation strategy.NH)

This brief report focuses on the cognitive level of decimal problems in 16 textbooks. Activities at the application level are included, but seldom are higher-order intellectual behaviors found in the books. (MNS)

Reports results of an investigation of science content of 10 recently published elementary science textbook series. Results show that though textbooks cover a wide range of science content, they do not promote or encourage the development of scientific thinking or attitudes, nor do they engage students in applying cognitive processes that are…

An analysis of elementary social studies textbooks published between 1970 and 1980 showed that few of the innovations resulting from the "new social studies" movement found their way into social studies texts. The profit motive of publishing companies is blamed. (RM)

An analysis showed that elementary social studies textbooks inadequately treat the Vietnam War. Alternatives for the teacher are suggested. (RM)

Provides a system for evaluating both the quality and the appropriateness of the placement and instructional tests that accompany basal reading series. (FL)

Using the Fry Readability approach and a ten percent random sample of all reading materials from each grade level within a program, readability data were collected on six popular elementary science textbook series. Fry readability averages and ranges for the six programs surveyed are reported by grade level. (Author/MK)

The problem of deficient and inaccurate teaching materials is identified and documented--a total approach to the problem would see the removal of all elementary school textbooks with tacit or implicit sexism, racism, ethnic bias and stereotyping in their stories' plots, language, and illustrations. (MM)

Investigates the types, frequency, and length of literature used in elementary social studies texts and teachers' manuals. Although some texts thoroughly integrated the literature into the main instruction, most relegated it to additional readings and bibliographies. Provides some useful guidelines for using literature in the social studies…

Presents results of an examination of the portrayal of teachers in picture books. Reports that most teachers are represented as female, often nameless, and almost always smiling. Expresses concern over some stereotypes found. Suggests that more attention should be paid to these books because of the power of literature to shape readers' perceptions…

A vast amount of reading comprehension research was reported in the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s. The study reported in this paper used the basal reading programs considered by California for adoption in 1988 as a vehicle for examining how the comprehension research had affected basal materials. Five series that were completely new and that…

The characteristics and components of scientific literacy are reviewed and analyzed in this report. Perspectives are given on textbook use, content, emphases and applications of the dimensions of scientific literacy. The distinctive features of the curriculum reform projects of the l960's and l970's are also discussed and their impacts are…

The purposes of this study were to determine to what extent selected critical reading skills are presented in current basal readers; to determine commonalities in their presentation; to ascertain if critical skills are stated as specific objectives; and to determine if practice and evaluation materials are provided for each selected skill by the…

To better understand how spelling is taught, six commercial spelling series were reviewed in terms of linguistics orientation, conception of spelling, and treatment of spelling for instruction. In addition, the spelling content of each series through fourth grade was described. Comparisons were made among the series in terms of specific aspects…