Examines the relationship between composition textbook authors and publishers. Discusses editors and publishers' concerns, and what authors need to know about textbook publishing. Focuses on ideology, economics, legalities, and the need for integrity and respect. Looks at the written contract, contractual brutality, legal counsel, contractual…

Describes what publishers can do to improve textbooks and teaching, and what teachers can do with inadequate textbooks to repair the "faulty" state of language education. Lists nine "knowns" about language education and explains how textbooks can exploit that knowledge within existing constraints. (RS)

Charges that Macmillan Publishing Company's policy guidelines for textbooks ought to be denounced as a wilful exercise in intellectual dishonesty, as the company insists that its textbooks depict society, not as it is, but as the publishers would like it to be. (Author/AM)

Several responses to Kilpatricks' article on the Macmillan Publishing Company's policy guidelines governing textbook publication are provided. (Author/AM)

To explore the issue of educational content in basal readers, a study analyzed 34 basal reading textbooks, representing eight of the most commonly used series in American elementary education. Educational content was defined and categorized along three dimensions: subject matter, function, and ethos. The subject matter component covered theories,…

In an effort to better understand the intents of those policies that prescribe state-level textbook adoption, a study collected and analyzed data from (1) the textbook adoption statutes of each of the 22 "state adoption" states, (2) documents and policy manuals produced by the state departments of education of each of these 22 states,…

Argues that many new books for schools are simply more colorful versions of earlier texts which inculcate racist and imperialist ideas in children. (Editor)

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…

Assesses extent and nature of cutss made in the version of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" used in a 1980 Harcourt, Brace and World anthology. Suggests that rather than serving to shorten or clarify the play as claimed by the editor, cuts were actually made to clean up the text and eliminate any passages with a sexual connotation. (RBW)

Refutes the claim that textbooks are responsible for educational difficulties. States that textbooks are a reflection of what teachers want. Provides a behind the scenes look at textbook production. Points out the problems created by the lack of a national curriculum and the textbook policies of state adoption committees. (RW)

Described in these four contributions to a discussion group are options open to publishers and purchasers to improve textbooks and textbook selection. The first contribution (by Robert L. Brunelle) briefly introduces the discussion and stresses the urgency of creating higher standards for textbooks as part of overall educational reforms. The…

Various perspectives on the highly complex textbook debate are presented in this book, which includes essays by educators, publishers, policymakers, and scholars. Currently, the advocates of higher academic standards, coherence, and quality occupy the strongest position in the debate. Part 1 looks at textbooks from a historical perspective. The…

Those interested in textbook research, theory, and practice need to identify the independent or context variables that influence the making of a textbook--the intervening variables that come into play as textbooks are conceived, developed, and designed--and to show how these impact on the textbook, or dependent variable. To begin, critics and…

Pressure from scholars, educators, fundamentalists, and others has convinced publishers that textbooks are weak in religion, classics, social studies, and science. Publishers, pushed by new content standards set by California and other states, seem ready to change their content and approach. (Author/MSE)

Textbooks with a multicultural focus that attempt to promote tolerance are increasingly being used in elementary, secondary, and higher education. The issue is whether or not multicultural readers are a feasible replacement for the traditional literary canon. Changes in academic publishing are responses to activist and minority groups. (SLD)