Many things are wrong with college level economics textbooks. For example, they are too ahistorical, too particularist, or unsystematically eclectic. The requirements of a good college economics textbook are examined. (RM)

This article analyzes how science classes carry ideological elements and how that has ethical and deontological consequences with respect to science teaching. Provided are some examples of ideologizing, presenting a worldview, biased contents, and biased image of science. (YP)

The components presented in this document are general and specific recommendations for improving instruction about the Constitution, including revised versions of the seven conference papers. The papers are: "Society's Expectations for School Instruction about the Constitution: An Historical Overview" (R. Freeman Butts); "What Youth…

Criticizes the prevalence of trivial and noninformative content in two primary grade social studies expanding environment textbook series. Extends earlier study, adding three additional analytical categories to its framework. To teach citizenship effectively, recommends (1) eliminating redundant, superfluous, and text-inappropriate content; (2)…

Arranged in three sections, this pamphlet outlines publishers' guidelines for developing nonsexist instructional materials for elementary and secondary school use. Section 1 details the following strategies for expanding and balancing the role models of both sexes in instructional literature: illustrations reflecting a variety of dress and…

Many feel that textbooks dominate what students learn. They set the curriculum and often the facts learned in most subjects. For many students, textbooks are their first and sometimes only early exposure to books and to reading. The public regards textbooks as authoritative, accurate and necessary and many teachers rely on them to organize lessons…

Compared were the results of a 1973 study with the results of a similarly analyzed sample of recent textbooks with respect to gender fairness. Illustrations of named and unnamed figures both adult and young were analyzed in seven recent textbooks. (KR)

Examines whether elementary textbooks enhance a socially active mathematics education program. Reports that young females and minorities are adequately portrayed in five mathematics textbook series; representation of careers, however, is less than adequate. Sixteen references are listed. (YP)

This document addresses the complex issues surrounding the production, selection, and use of textbooks in the context of the current educational reform movement. The first section discusses the need for textbook reform, examining the problems associated with their content, presentation, and supplementary materials. The second section discusses the…

Examines 25 introductory sociology textbooks to ascertain patterns of race-ethnic coverage. Discovers coverage to be fairly extensive but focused around a limited set of sociological topics (stratification, education, health). Coverage in other areas (age, politics, religion) was significantly lower. Discusses implications for course development…

Discusses coverage of Mexican history and Mexican Americans in 10 U.S. history textbooks approved for use in Texas. Criticizes the lack of complete information, ethnocentricity, and failure to present the Mexican point of view. Argues that U.S. history courses should cover topics of Mexican history, including Spanish colonialism, the Texas…

Savage, blood-thirsty, drunk, monosyllabic, naked, and primitive are the stereotypes of Native Americans in textbooks. These stereotypes are so pervasive that they tend to be accepted uncritically by the rest of society. The evidence suggests that many textbooks are biased and, in a large number of cases, outright racist. The concept of…

In the past, science textbooks have been the target of criticism of science educators in studies of sex bias in the past. The purpose of this study was to examine the illustrations in the biology textbooks most commonly used in high schools in the United States. Seven textbooks were examined for their representation of women in illustrations of…

This article introduces and discusses some aspects of the complex problem of textbook reform, and suggests what the future holds for textbooks. (DCS)

Argues that in an attempt to avoid presenting religion in a manner that might be considered controversial or offensive many textbook publishers have watered down their coverage to the point of misrepresentation. Examines several texts' treatment of significant religious subjects. (MJP)