Reports a random sampling of the frequency and types of connectives used in content area textbooks. The results suggest that a knowledge of connectives fosters comprehension in reading and speaking. (TO)

Presents a rating scale that pinpoints linguistic areas where second-language learners have special difficulty. (AEA)

Validates the college-level designation of the Fry Graph using comparative validity data. (AEA)

The author examines the 1964 and 1980 editions of a basal reader from the British Ladybird series to see how much change had occurred in sex role presentations. (SJL)

Reviews 11 recent texts, supplements, kits, and professional references for reading comprehension and/or critical reading at various grade levels. (SJL)

Presents results of a content analysis of 46 postsecondary reading textbooks to assess the texts' incorporation of features that enhance learning. Describes the use of a modified version of Singer's Friendly Text Inventory to analyze the texts in terms of organization, explication, conceptual density, metadiscourse, and instructional devices. (DMM)

In three series of state-adopted parallel English and Spanish basal readers, comprehension questions most frequently assessed literal comprehension, followed by inference, evaluation, and appreciation. Readability level was higher than stated for second and third grade English texts and higher for Spanish than English texts. Contains 24…

The evaluation and selection of basal reading materials should be a thorough process that ensure the success of the school's reading program. The ten areas of a basal series that should be made priorities, weighted, and evaluated include the skills programs, composition and readability, concepts, balance, literary value, testing program, teacher's…

This booklet is comprised primarily of the summaries of computerized readability assessments of sample passages from each story or chapter in a reading textbook series for grades one through eight. Introductory chapters offer discussions of the computerized readability assessment program used, the various uses of readability information about a…

A distinction is made between the learnability and readability of text materials. Learnability refers to the extent to which new learning results from reading a passage; readability refers to the extent to which a passage is comprehended. Cleraly, comprehension can occur without new learning. Classic readability formulas use text characteristics…

An analysis of the new readers being used in grades 4-7 concludes that they have greatly improved the educational process. (Author/ND)

Describes how teachers can use the Fry's Readability Graph to determine the reading level of textbooks in use and those being considered for adoption. Provides a listing of the reading levels of selected junior high school science texts. (JR)

Presents a checklist developed by the International Reading Association's Committee for Basic Education and Reading, which is designed to help teachers select materials to meet the special needs and interests of adult basic education learners and to make objective judgments based on a clear evaluation process. (MKM)

Notes the different approaches to teaching theory found in a survey of 84 journalism and mass communication instructors. Provides a list of reviews of the 55 texts and four articles most often cited in the survey. (RL)