After adoption of a new elementary mathematics series in a school district, mathematics scores increased by an average of 9 points in 6 schools; however,in the district's other 11 elementary schools, the average score dropped 11 points. Without exception, schools where students showed improvement had teachers who had taken inservice training on…

Designed for publishers and producers, this document initiates the annual subject area(s) adoption of basic instructional materials for California schools, kindergarten through eighth grade. The document presents an overview of the total instructional materials adoption-distribution process, specific instructions relating to initial submissions…

It has been customary to simplify texts to increase their readability for young readers. Recent studies suggest that it is the predictability of texts that is the key to their readability and that simplification may actually create problems for the reader. (RBW)

A framework to be used in text selection is set out as a series of questions, divided into five broad groups. The author uses the framework to analyze four texts. (MK)

The selection of an elementary-level reading series in a small California town caused a divisive backlash from some parents who are claiming their rights to supervise their children's reading material. The controversy is reported through excerpts from interviews with representatives from both sides of the issue. (JD)

Finds that state-level textbook adoption committee members reported four major unresolved reading issues: (1) assessment of students' reading progress; (2) whole language versus basal approaches; (3) ability grouping; and (4) use of tradebooks in place of basals. Suggests that the members may lack sufficient specific knowledge of the issues to…

Describes how to determine to what extent mathematics standards are addressed in curriculum materials and discusses some important characteristics of new as well as traditional mathematics materials. Summarizes how a group of Kentucky mathematics teachers used the analysis procedure in their state textbook-adoption process. (ASK)

This comprehensive, annotated resource list is designed to assist in selecting resources authorized by the Alberta (Canada) Education Department for the elementary social studies classroom. Within each grade and topic, annotated entries for basic learning resources are listed, followed by support learning resources and authorized teaching…

The process of evaluating and selecting basal readers has long been a primary concern for educators. Educators directly involved with textbook adoptions have expressed several concerns, including: time pressures on evaluators; lack of training for evaluators; concerns related to publishers; and correlations with state or district curriculum.…

To determine the relationship between particular reading materials used most frequently with students in grades one through six and the amount of progress students made during the 1982-83 school year, a study was conducted by the District of Columbia Public Schools. Nine of the ten reading materials on the approved textbook list were assessed, and…

This selection catalog includes broad classifications of the materials adopted for statewide use in California, and descriptions of their chief characteristics and approaches. It is not intended to be considered a substitute for careful examination of these materials, but can only help limit the number of materials school district personnel will…

Serving as the basis for the first administrative complaint alleging sex discrimination in textbooks to be filed under federal law, the findings presented in this report are based on an analysis, made by parents and citizens in a midwestern city, of 12 texts in the elementary reading program of a major publisher. Generally, the findings are stated…

Study reveals the stress teachers place upon instructional materials and their use in teaching a variety of subjects. (RK)

During the late sixties and early seventies a new nontextbook, lab-centered approach was used in science instruction in elementary grades. With the arrival of the eighties, science curriculum has come full circle, and new science textbooks with corresponding curriculum guides are being adopted. (JN)

The research reported in this paper identifies the "core curriculum" and "optional curriculum" suggested by widely used textbooks of elementary school mathematics and describes the influence of each on teacher autonomy in selecting the content of instruction. Preliminary analyses suggest that the "core curriculum" is generally consistent with…