Describes how the author of "Molly's Pilgrim" struggled to retain the religious references in her story when it was adapted for a grade school reading textbook. (KH)

Elucidates general principles that need to undergird economics textbooks. States that they should at least provide a combination of data and theory, where the theory explains the data which, in turn, illustrates the theory. Concludes that texts should transmit real knowledge of complex systems and economies so that future disastrous mistakes might…

Objects to an alleged misrepresentation and inaccurate presentation of a J. R. R. Tolkien quotation in "Adventures in Reading" (Harcourt, Brace & World, 1969), a ninth grade literature anthology. (RD)

Specific guidelines for having textbook manuscripts published are presented with emphasis on procedures used by commercial textbook publishers. (JMF)

Presents a point-counterpoint discussion focusing on four issues involved in the positive and negative values of using textbooks: (1) encyclopedic or comprehensive; (2) third-hand sources or efficient compilations; (3) expensive or cost effective; and (4) authors, known and unknown. Suggests that textbook adoption decisions should be based on the…

The Key State Education Policies on PK-12 Education is intended to inform policymakers and educators about the current status of key education policies that define and shape elementary and secondary education in public schools across the 50 states. The report is part of a continuing series by the Council's State Education Indicators program.…

One of the key requirements of the Common Core State Standards for Reading is that all students must be able to comprehend texts of steadily increasing complexity as they progress through school. By the time they complete the core, students must be able to read and comprehend independently and proficiently the kinds of complex texts commonly found…

A brief discussion, with a list of information sources, of the need for enlightened teaching to eliminate stereotyping from social studies instructional materials and teaching. (HB)

MOST SUGGESTIONS FOR TEXTBOOKS CHANGES EMANATING FROM CITIZEN'S GROUPS CONCERN THREE ITEMS--THE DEGREES TO WHICH CONTENT IS RELEVANT TO ALL ELEMENTS OF SOCIETY, TO THE CONDITIONS OF ALL SOCIETY AND TO VALUES REFLECTIVE OF THE AMERICAN WAY OF LIFE. ALL PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEMS OF THE GREAT CITIES EMPLOY SIMILAR CRITERIA IN MAKING TEXTBOOK SELECTIONS.…

This book recounts in narrative form the influence of Mel and Norma Gabler, two Texas parents, on the purchase of textbooks for Texas schools. Concerned over content they found objectionable, for more than ten years the Gablers used direct mail campaigns, radio talk shows, petition drives, and personal appearances, in addition to testifying…

This excerpt from the series that won the 1977 IRA Print Media Award discusses the attempts of textbook publishers to meet the current market trends and to sell in states which have an approved statewide list. (MKM)

The textbooks used by public schools generally reflect the values and essential priorities of that society, and in cases of value and attitude conflicts arising in curriculum design, textbooks are apt to become prime targets for criticism. (MM)