This paper discusses six factors which can be used to successfully examine, evaluate, and select reading instructional materials; it also examines the appropriate characteristics of an objective evaluation instrument. Evaluation of reading instructional materials should be based on a sound philosophy of reading instruction as practiced in the…

The lack of adequate pedagogical material for the teaching of Italian in North America is criticized. Presently available grammars and textbooks are listed with brief descriptions. Criteria, guidelines and requirements for satisfactory elementary and intermediate Italian textbooks are presented. (MS)

There must be a return to classic texts in humanities instruction, but the selection of those texts is no longer simple, because of questions about (1) identifying which are classics and (2) connections made between the classic texts studied and a student's personal life. (MSE)

Discussed are criteria for selecting instructional materials. Also examined are the role of materials in classroom instruction and ideas related to the question, When should instructional materials be selected?" (CT)

Offers advice to sufferers of "textbookitis:" (1) writing textbooks are not necessary for high school classes; (2) the best language textbook is a dictionary--money not spent on a writing textbook could be spent on sets of dictionaries; and (3) literature anthologies can be useful additions to the writing classroom. (RL)

Contains six responses to two questions concerning high school book censorship and the application of dominant community values to the selection of instructional materials in public education. (AM)

Many corporations and vested interest groups prepare free or inexpensive educational materials for the schools. The authors present guidelines teachers can use to screen such material for objectivity, accuracy, appropriateness, and feasibility. (SJL)

Raises issues and questions concerning the judicious choice of a textbook to teach the history of mathematics. (Author/KHR)

A review of research on writing textbooks suggests that in general, they do not reflect current theories in either content or instructional approach. Examination of some second language writing textbooks reveals three types: (1) those with a traditional approach emphasizing grammar, form, and models; (2) books acknowledging but not integrating new…

Analyzes ten of the most publicized and widely used textbooks in the technical writing field for reading level, organization, completeness in covering the subject and providing sufficient models, and price. (RB)

Listed in this catalog of instructional materials in English and the use of dictionaries are those materials adopted by the California State Board of Education for use in public schools from 1983 to 1985. Materials listed include those published by (1) Allyn and Bacon; (2) Bowmar/Noble; (3) Ginn and Company; (4) Glencoe; (5) Harcourt, Brace…

The Master Locator Booklet (MLB) is intended to aid in selecting suitable texts, readers, and supplementary materials for classroom work or individual study in EFL/ESL. Although the wide range of works on the market does not permit a consistent classification, the entries in the MLB are subclassified to a great extent to facilitate access to…

The author suggests that quality selection of textbooks at the local level is more likely to occur when: (1) administrators involve teachers, subject-matter specialists, and others in the selection process; (2) these individuals comprise a committee which makes a regular, continuing study of textbooks; (3) they consider using materials recently…