This annotated bibliography contains 37 references on reading material selection dating from 1986-1989. Included are guidelines for selection of appropriate materials for various age groups; examples of various reading programs; and conflicting opinions regarding censorship, bibliotherapy, and books for special needs populations. (MS)

When elementary school teachers serve on a committee to select a new basal reader program, they must represent their school's unique needs. To develop their awareness, the selection committee should address such questions as: What kind of program improvements are teachers hoping to get? What kind of articulation will be needed between this program…

Intended for use by Title I teachers, this handbook is designed to aid in the selection and use of commercially prepared reading games and game-like teaching materials that teach or reinforce (1) basic sight vocabulary, (2) spelling, (3) word meaning, (4) comprehension, (5) reading readiness, (6) perception, (7) study, (8) listening, (9) fluency,…

Two readability formulas were applied to two math and two reading series textbooks at the fourth, fifth, and sixth grade levels to see whether the publishers' suggested reading levels were accurate. Five samples were taken from each text and compared to the publishers' suggested usage according to grade level. Results showed that although formulas…

One component of an evaluation research model for system-wide selection of curriculum materials is reported: implementation of an evaluation design for obtaining data that permits professional and lay persons to base curriculum materials decisions on a "best fit" principle. The design includes teacher characteristics, learning environment…

A national survey reveals that, although selection and review procedures can help when school materials are challenged, there is no substitute for good community relations in reducing those challenges in the first place. (Author/JM)

This handbook is designed to be of assistance in the selection of literature, trade books, and instructional materials to meet the scholastic needs of all children, including minority children. Contents include a description of a staff development session designed to assist teachers in preparing for multicultural instructional activities and…

The Tulsa, Oklahoma, board of education has adopted as policy an academic freedom statement that was developed by a committee composed of board members, administrators, teachers, and librarians. The prelude to the statement contains six important points dealing with (1) the need for such a policy statement, (2) school responsibility, (3)…

This study at a midwestern, private, liberal arts college compared undergraduate student reactions in an educational psychology course between students whose reading assignments were in a conventional textbook vs. those of students whose reading assignments made use of primary sources, such as original research or case studies. At the end of each…

Although printed instructional material is the most basic tool for classroom instruction, in the school year 1966-67 a national survey showed per pupil expenditure for textbooks to be only $4.96. Lack of guidelines for expenditures on textbooks, failure to use sound budgetary practices, inadequate teacher involvement in decisions affecting texts,…

A guide for teachers selecting reading textbooks, this report brings together information about basal programs on the market and clarification of important issues in reading instruction. A general analysis of 20 basal programs includes a prose explication and a table comparing contents (skills), reading selections, methodology, assessment tests,…

This report provides administrators and supervisors of reading programs with information to help them evaluate and select commercially developed reading materials. Part 1 opens with a description of the problems researchers studying the adoption of basal reading programs have observed and then offers suggestions (based on both research and…

Prepared for use by middle and secondary school teachers and administrators, this document provides guidelines for the selection of instructional materials to be used in the classroom. After presentation of general criteria for the selection of instructional materials in all subjects, selection criteria are given for the English language arts and…

Studies curriculum challenges by religious conservatives to the "Impressions" reading series in California. Many parents thought the series promoted satanism, witchcraft, and disrespect toward parents. Data from 22 school districts, 4 of which dropped the series, illustrate the complex nature of such challenges and highlight school…

Attempts at censorship of books and periodicals used or made available in public schools have been increasing in recent years. Parents are raising a higher proportion of the complaints than ever before, and the percentage of complaints that are successful in having books removed from shelves is also on the rise. Three of seven federal court…