A survey designed to investigate how challenges to school library materials relate to the overall selection process found that (1) the number of challenges increased steadily with increasing grade level; (2) local challenges were more restrictive than state challenges; and (3) active challenges affected administrators' selection, making them more…

Materials development in English for Science and Technology (EST), particularly for English-as-a-Foreign-Language university students, is discussed with reference to the current EST situation in Taiwan. Issues include content vs. skills approach, textbook selection or innovation, process- vs. product-oriented materials, and authentic vs.…

Argues that there are special problems associated with designing and teaching a course about authors outside of the literary canon. Traces the development of a course on Victorian women writers from initial development difficulties to final thoughts on restructuring the syllabus. Notes works used in the course. (DSK)

One of the most important decisions speech communication basic course directors make is the selection of the textbook. The first consideration in their choice of text should be whether or not the proposed text covers the units integral to the course. A second consideration should be whether or not the text covers the special topics integral to the…

The extent and nature of censorship in Illinois social studies classrooms is assessed. A questionnaire included in the state Council for the Social Studies newsletter asked social studies teachers at all levels to respond to a 12-item questionnaire covering censorship of texts, teaching methods, textbook selection processes, and origins of…

Intended for primary school teachers involved in social studies instruction, this paper offers guidelines for selecting and using children's literature to teach social studies concepts. The paper first deals with selecting children's literature works, presenting basic considerations relating children's developmental stages to characteristics of…

This report, submitted to the 71st Texas Legislature in fulfillment of the mandates contained in House Concurrent Resolution 84, summarizes a study of the feasibility of an 8-year cycle for the adoption of certain textbooks and considers the feasibility of contracting with textbook publishers on a freight prepaid basis. First, 6-year versus 8-year…

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 paper is intended to be a guide for constructive and helpful participation by parents and citizens in inquiry about and involvement in the selection of educational materials. The paper argues for a systematic, step-by-step selection process, sensitive to local needs and concerned with high quality materials that should be divided into (1)…

The fourth conference dedicated itself to the topic "The Treatment of Minorities in Textbooks," intending to give educators, publishers, civil rights leaders, and government officials an unbiased understanding of textbook problems. Participants learned from each other and gained insight into differing points of view, stimulating cooperative team…

The article gives a step-by-step procedure for vocational teachers to follow in determining the appropriateness of the reading level of specific instructional materials to their students' reading skills. An example is given of the procedure applied to "The Stockman's Handbook." (AJ)

Materials, to be effective, must be adapted to the learning potential, experience, and social backgrounds of students. Since all commercially produced materials are not satisfactory, the author offers some guiding principles that should be used when making selections. (RB)

This study identified curriculum materials and educational resources currently used in preservice teacher education programs in Israel and how these materials are employed. Great diversity was found in the types of materials in use. The need for development of specially designed curriculum materials is expressed. (PP)

Provides a comprehensive list of bilingual centers across the country that offer aid in curriculum development, materials selection, teacher training, assessment and dissemination, and antidiscrimination guidelines for linguistic minorities. (Editor)

This annotated guide to selection aids for elementary-level materials on Canada covers selection aids for basic materials, current materials, free materials, and books on native peoples. Annotations include publisher's address, price, and a short review. Organizations which might help in book selection are also described. (SJL)