An experiment to test the effect of textbooks in a one year economic principles course at Temple University (1968-1969) is partially reported. Using the Test of Understanding College Economics (TUCE) as the dependent variable, no significant difference was found between classes using a variety of textbooks. (DB)

The Raygor Readability Estimate, described in this article, is much like the widely used Fry Readability Graph, except that it determines vocabulary difficulty by counting words of six or more letters, rather than by counting syllables. An evaluation found that Raygor was faster and easier to use and more objective than the Fry method. (RM)

In response to Ben Brodinsky's article, the authors submitted a paper describing the service they offer of reviewing textbooks and providing critiques. They maintain that educators no longer hold to the Judeo-Christian ethic, although three-fourths of Americans believe in these values. (MLF)

Discusses why teachers must help to review and/or select textbooks on a regular basis and how they can participate in this process. A slightly revised edition of the criteria used by the State of Michigan Social Studies Review Steering Committee illustrates critical factors that must be considered in evaluating textbooks. (SR)

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)

Provides a checklist to aid the elementary and secondary educator in selecting a social studies textbook or curriculum package. The three-page checklist considers the textbook's philosophy and objectives, instructional materials, teacher's manual, supplementary materials, and administrative concerns. (KC)

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)

Discusses reading levels of books in the sciences, and explains the use of the Readability Graph. Also reported are reading levels of selected high school physics texts. (GA)

Assuming that ability to communicate is the main goal of foreign language teaching, the article examines a textbook dialogue for its authenticity. An improved version is printed beside the original, and justifications for the changes are given. (Text is in German.) (IFS/WGA)

Argues that the original Degrees of Reading Power (DRP) test scores indicated large mismatches between the average difficulty of the textbooks used in each grade and the average ability of students in that grade. Presents a rescaling procedure to provide new, valid DRP test scores and grade equivalent scores for selecting instructional materials.…

A survey of 62 college and university faculty determined that 77 different textbooks are being used in courses designed for teachers of the gifted. For textbooks most frequently used, information is provided about the textbook content, course levels used for, and basis for selection. (Author/JDD)

Presents criteria to help teachers choose textbooks for English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) composition students, based on how well each text teaches users to write argumentative essays (a form foreign to many ESL students). Evaluates 14 textbooks using these criteria. (SR)

Integrates strategies and suggestions from professional books and articles to provide educators with an overview of components of the textbook selection process. Organizes the smorgasbord into three sections: the salad bar (initial screening), the main course (examination of textbooks), and the dessert bar (plans for implementation of the textbook…

Reviews four approaches to selecting language textbooks and outlines points to be considered before selecting. (CK)

This is an alphabetized list of 400 frequent German words for rapid checking against the end glossaries of elementary German textbooks. The emphasis is on words that would not automatically be included in any such textbook as part of the structural and morphological inventory of German. Words on the list were selected from the list in order of…