Argues that only through understanding and improving the textbook adoption process can those interested in improving education influence the quality of textbooks printed and used. Presents some observations about the adoption process, makes recommendations for research, and suggests actions to take while waiting for research findings to come in.…

A checklist of criteria for evaluating textbooks in occupational education is presented, providing a rapid and effective way for instructors to assess occupational textbooks. The checklist encourages occupational education instructors and administrators to look at the qualities of textbooks that go beyond the subject content and readability levels…

Guidelines for judging English methods-course textbooks need to be developed and applied to the increasing quantities of texts being published. Objective data for evaluation may be obtained through several approaches: (1) key word in context, in which the frequency of a word is accepted as representative of the importance of a concept; (2)…

The Texas Education Agency has developed this guide to assist members of local textbook committees who are responsible for studying and selecting textbooks and learning systems for use in Texas school districts. The State Board of Education has approved all the listed textbooks, but it does not recommend specific books. Rather, general criteria…

This article reports a study of decision-making processes for selecting instructional materials. The project had two aims: (1) to survey research findings and practices of decision-making processes in instructional material selection in the United States and Australia; and (2) to identify the attributes of decision-making processes used to select…

Describes components of new elementary and secondary school textbook packages and reviews criteria for evaluating textbooks. Topics discussed include the development of teaching aids; curricular considerations; evaluating content-area textbooks; the whole language approach to instruction; and the role of librarians and media specialists in subject…

To determine what procedures and criteria are being used in states with state-wide textbook adoption and to determine what similarities and differences might exist from state to state, state textbook administrators in such states were asked to respond to a 39-item questionnaire and to supply materials that explained their states' procedures and…

Lists 25 things that teachers should consider when evaluating the linguistic components of the texts they select and use for English grammar and writing instruction. (RL)

The report is an evaluation of the economic content and teaching strategies of social studies textbooks that are used in grades one through six. The study, supported by the Sears-Roebuck Foundation, was part of a kindergarten through grade twelve assessment of the treatment of economics in social studies textual materials made under the direction…

This document addresses the complex issues surrounding the production, selection, and use of textbooks in the context of the current educational reform movement. The first section discusses the need for textbook reform, examining the problems associated with their content, presentation, and supplementary materials. The second section discusses the…

The intent of the learning module described here is to increase users' skills in selecting effective instructional products for their classrooms. The module familiarizes users with product selection criteria and involves the user in practical demonstration of product selection. This descriptive report provides information on the purposes and…

The report is an evaluation of the economic content and teaching strategies in United States and world history textbooks that are used in grades 11 and 12. The study, conducted by the Center for Economic Education, University of Delaware, was part of a kindergarten through grade twelve assessment of the treatment of economics in social studies…

Fifty of the most frequently used social studies textbooks in Missouri are evaluated. The focus of the textbook evaluations is the handling of racial minorities, especially the American Negro. Criteria are outlined for adequate textbook coverage of prejudice, discrimination, and minority groups in the areas of American history and government,…

The report is an evaluation of the economic content and teaching strategies of social studies textbooks that are used in grades 7, 8, and 9. The study, conducted by the Center for Economic Education at the Lincoln Filene Center, Tufts University, was part of a kindergarten through grade twelve assessment of the treatment of economics in social…

The report is an evaluation of the economic content and teaching strategies in social studies textbooks that are used in grades 10, 11, and 12. The study, conducted by the Center for Economic Education, Purdue University, was part of a kindergarten through grade twelve assessment of the treatment of economics in social studies textual materials…