This paper reports a comparative analysis of beginning and experienced teachers' thinking about teaching subtraction with regrouping commonly called "borrowing"), and the role that textbooks play in their deliberations. Twelve beginning and nine experienced teachers appraised and compared two contrasing textbook selections dealing with this topic…

To assist textbook adoption committees in answering the questions that arise as they consider basal reading series, this paper provides a discussion of readability. Following a brief introduction, the second section of the paper offers a background discussion of what readability really means. In addition, this section looks at three factors to…

One component of an evaluation research model for system-wide selection of curriculum materials is reported: implementation of an evaluation design for obtaining data that permits professional and lay persons to base curriculum materials decisions on a "best fit" principle. The design includes teacher characteristics, learning environment…

Reports on a study of how seven fifth-grade teachers organized their social studies curriculum following the adoption of a new textbook. Finds that teaching styles were more varied than might be expected given the similarity of materials. Discusses three observed teaching styles. (CFR)

Reports on a review of nine elementary social studies textbooks for their treatment of African-American history and culture. Finds that the West African origins and culture of African Americans is largely ignored. Determines that textbooks present a biased and incomplete picture of slavery in early U.S. history. (CFR)

This book attempts to survey some of the current issues of mathematics teaching in elementary schools in Great Britain. Chapter one is an introduction to the material while chapters two and three examine recent reports and suggestions for change and discuss the place of mathematics in the elementary curriculum. Chapter four is devoted to an…

Surveys the content of 13 elementary social studies methods texts published between 1981 and 1988. Disregarding quality or length of coverage, Breiter identifies common topics in social studies methods texts as well as social/controversial issues and skills coverage. Suggests how this information might be used in text selection or course renewal…

Commercially developed basal reading programs are used in most elementary school classrooms in the United States. Yet often neither the publishers developing these programs nor the members of textbook adoption committees selecting programs are able to take advantage of the best available knowledge about the reading process and reading instruction.…

To determine how textbook publishers have changed the content of teachers' manuals designed to accompany basal reading series, a study was undertaken to examine manuals published by two different publishers since the l920s. Ten fifth grade manuals were reviewed for physical characteristics, tests, number of stories, instructional suggestions,…

This pamphlet was written to provide guidance on the teaching of literature in the Scottish primary and secondary schools. An introduction points out the reasons for teaching literature and suggests criteria by which to select worthwhile texts and plan programs. The place of oral literature and poetry in the primary school and the need for primary…

A scale, summary sheet, and checklist provide a guide for selecting elementary social studies materials. The checklist is based on trends in social studies as found in professional literature and published social studies materials. It is appropriate for use by individual teachers, curriculum committees, or curriculum coordinators. Aimed at being a…

Kentucky is one of twenty-four states that rely upon a state adoption process for selecting school textbooks, a procedure that occurs every six years. Publishers' bids are solicited and evaluated by the State Textbook Commission, and the Textbook Selection Criteria Committee for Reading makes recommendations that will be of help to people…

A guide for teachers selecting reading textbooks, this report brings together information about basal programs on the market and clarification of important issues in reading instruction. A general analysis of 20 basal programs includes a prose explication and a table comparing contents (skills), reading selections, methodology, assessment tests,…

Provides an overview of a field-based teacher-preparation program, indicating how the elementary mathematics methods course plays a part. Also shares insights from observations in elementary classrooms related to mathematics (use of manipulatives, textbook choices, instructional delivery systems, and placement of teacher-education students) and in…

This Invitation to Submit Materials provides an overview of the total instructional materials adoption-distribution process and specific instructions relating to initial submissions for materials to be used in California schools--kindergarten through grades 1 to 8--in the areas of art, music, bilingual and bicultural education, English as a Second…