Provides guidelines a board of education should follow before a censorship controversy arises. Also includes a brief list of organizations that can assist in the preparation of guidelines for the selection of textbooks and other curricular materials, and, in handling complaints. (Author/IRT)

Mathematics textbooks are critical tools for student learning in American classrooms. Teachers use them daily to plan and deliver lessons, and students use them in class to explore and learn mathematics. Given textbooks' potential to support student learning, it is important to understand how they are developed. While pressure is growing on…

One of a series dealing with current issues affecting language arts instruction, this paper brings into focus some of the issues surrounding textbooks in the schools so that informed decisions can be made regarding textbook selection and use. The major portion of the paper explores professional opinions regarding textbooks, noting the following:…

A checklist of procedural guidelines for selecting new and replacement textbooks, films, tapes, kits, anthologies, and other instructional materials. (DD)

This handbook has been developed to assist school districts in the adoption of textbooks. The criteria for establishing a textbook selection process are included, as well as selection criteria for specific subject areas. Procedural steps are initially outlined for preliminary activities, book examination procedure, and implementation, and then a…

Examines obvious and covert efforts of censorship on young adult novels and the publishers' reluctance to provide more realism. Concludes by urging teachers to counteract those forces through diligent consumer education. (HOD)

The author suggests that quality selection of textbooks at the local level is more likely to occur when: (1) administrators involve teachers, subject-matter specialists, and others in the selection process; (2) these individuals comprise a committee which makes a regular, continuing study of textbooks; (3) they consider using materials recently…

Article discussed the obstacles one must hurdle in order to produce an effective textbook. (RK)

This report by a committee appointed to review the treatment of minority groups in social science textbooks presents a series of criteria to be applied to the production and selection of these books. It is recommended that material on minorities should be included when relevant to a subject. Treatment of minorities should be accurate, complete,…

Discusses procedures for selecting textbooks. Provided are guidelines for reviewing textbooks, analyzing content, and analyzing strategies. (SL)

Presents a set of "neutral" language guidelines as a way of pointing out the problems of using language guidelines in the first place. (JL)

In the area of textbook selection, a school board should (1) establish a policy based on the feelings of the community, the law, and the board's views; (2) determine whether administrative guidelines reflect board policy; (3) check whether textbook choices are based on those guidelines; and (4) consider appeals in book complaint cases. Everyone…

To help defuse censorship efforts, this booklet identifies issues and strategies for handling censorship efforts and provides the instructional materials selection policies of two Montana school districts. The booklet also includes sample forms for a citizen requesting reconsideration of materials and for a school media committee's reconsideration…

The Texas Education Agency has developed this guide to assist members of local textbook committees who are responsible for studying and selecting textbooks and learning systems for use in Texas school districts. The State Board of Education has approved all the listed textbooks, but it does not recommend specific books. Rather, general criteria…

Lists 25 things that teachers should consider when evaluating the linguistic components of the texts they select and use for English grammar and writing instruction. (RL)