Of the 36 texts examined, only two did not deal with values education in any significant way. The remaining 34 provided inadequate coverage. Almost all of the texts failed to discuss criticisms of the various approaches used to teach values and issues related to the imposition of values. (RM)

Metadiscourse is the author's intrusion into the discourse, either explicitly or nonexplicitly, to direct rather than inform the readers. Nine social studies texts written for students in grades 5-12 and nine for adults no longer in school were evaluated to determine if they contain informational and attitudinal subtypes of metadiscourse. (RM)

While conclusive evidence of improvement of current elementary social studies textbooks does not exist at this moment, there is evidence of reform in the content, if not the readability of texts, used by disadvantaged students. (DM)

Nine current texts were reviewed. Errors were classified under three categories: cartographic, pictorial, and textual. (VW)

The article discusses a study to measure the readability of eight junior high school American history textbooks including "American History for Today" (Ginn and Company, 1977), "America! America" (Scott, Foresman, 1980), "Quest for Liberty: Investigating United States History" (Addison-Wesley, 1974), and "The American Adventure" (Allyn and Bacon,…

A sample of 12 recent and older sixth grade social studies textbooks was examined to determine their level of explicitness, one of the criteria used to determine the "friendliness" or comprehensibility of a text. Researchers randomly selected three samples--usually chapters--from each of the 12 textbooks. The Explication Inventory…

This document, part of which is in checklist form, sets forth a set of criteria for analyzing materials which are relevant for the education of minority groups. The checklist itself consists of 29 items, each of which must be judged on a scale ranging from "superior" to "not pertinent." Some sample evaluation questions are:…

This study of 45 social studies texts widely used in American junior and senior high schools examines the current treatment of Negroes, Jews, and other minorities. It is stated that, despite past criticism of publishers and authors, "a significant number of texts published today continue to present a principally white, Protestant, Anglo-Saxon view…

The purpose of this study was to test the validity of the Fry Readability Graph on an eighth grade social studies textbook. It was found to be a valid measure by using an achievement test, and by comparing between groups of students who should and should not have comprehended the test. For journal availability, see SO 505 690. (Author/JR)

The Educational Products Information Exchange (EPIE), a nonprofit national education materials review organization, analyzed 10 elementary social studies textbook series. Results, which are discussed in this article, show that elementary-level social studies textbooks are not good enough. Recommendations are made. (RM)

As much as 90 percent of classroom instructional time is structured by instructional materials, especially textbook. Research shows, however, that textbooks alone are not enough. Analyses of elementary grade social studies textbooks reveal that the breadth is too wide and the depth too shallow. Specific examples are provided. (RM)

An examination of approved California state textbooks showed that the majority of the books fail to reflect the past or present realities of the Asian American experience. None of the books reviewed did an adequate job of integrating the experience of Asian Americans. (RM)

To show that in their elementary school years, American students read many pages of inconsiderate text, a segment from a sixth grade social studies textbook is analyzed. Criteria used to determine considerateness are structure, coherence, unity, and audience appropriateness. (RM)

Presents criteria which K-12 Canadian teachers should use to evaluate social studies materials. They should analyze curricula according to how the developers define the overall intent of the program, interpret history, indicate their images of man, employ kinds of knowledge, and typify key people and events. (RM)