Looks at factors in the textbook publishing industry, especially costs and censorship, which affect the quality of available reading series. Notes the problem of readability and content bias. Finally, presents a checklist of basal reader evaluation criteria. (SJL)

Three main factors in textbook selection for distance education--readability, appropriateness, and availability--are examined in detail, and suggestions for adapting standardized texts to the needs of individual groups are provided. Twelve specific criteria are listed for determining the appropriateness of a text and textual factors influencing…

Presented are critical reviews of 18 biology textbooks submitted for consideration by the Texas State Board of Education during 1984. These reviews are provided in three categories: (1) general biology textbooks: "Biology and Human Progress"--Prentice Hall; "Scott, Foresman Life Science"--Scott, Foresman; "Living Things"--Holt, Rinehart, and…

Describes the development and the components of an instrument designed to assess the contents of educational materials. (JM)

Presents ERIC documents that examine what goes into the textbook selection process, the outside influences on book selection, and some criteria that are used in the selection of books. (MKM)

Twenty-eight prospective English teachers at a large midwestern state university participated in this study of what they believe literature to be and what criteria they apply in choosing texts they would teach. Although the prospective teachers reported that they had not been taught explicit criteria for evaluating texts, they had no difficulty…

This textbook evaluation instrument is provided to assess (1) content properties; (2) instructional properties; (3) physical properties; (4) readability; and (5) other properties such as cultural mix, organization of text, and suitability for various grade levels in secondary level world geography and global studies textbooks. For the first three…

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 questionnaire was devised and mailed to 84 township school districts in New Jersey to determine how often each adopted new basal reading series, the extent of teacher involvement in the selection process, and whether a detailed questionnaire was used as a basis for evaluation of different basals. A Likert scale was used to grade responses.…

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…

Textbooks play a greater role in students' learning than is usually recognized, and teachers should examine textbook materials more carefully to assess their value for different learners with different cognitive styles. A new, more student-centered model of teaching and learning, the Annehurst Curriculum Classification System (ACCS), focuses on…

This publication contains the analysis instrument developed by the California Ethnic Heritage Program to analyze ethnic studies curricula K-12 and discusses procedures for using the analysis form. The instrument is intended as a training aid to prepare teachers and other persons concerned with education to understand and internalize certain…

Selection of instructional materials for business and distributive education programs is increasingly difficult because there are more materials, new courses, and programs, matching instruction to the student, and some teacher options. The writer presents steps for use by school personnel in evaluation and adoption of text materials. (MF)

Using the conceptual scheme outlined in Parts I and II of this article (appearing in the January and April 1981 issues of this magazine), the author presents guidelines for librarian/teacher cooperation in the selection of supplementary materials which coordinate with basic class texts. (Author/SJL)

Designed to outline minimum course content for Arizona public schools, this K-12 curriculum guide is divided into 3 sections covering philosophy, goals, and scope and sequence. The stated philosophy emphasizes appreciation of history and culture, skill in acquiring and validating knowledge, critical thinking, and appreciation of…