Reviews the background and consequences of the most violent and effective textbook confrontations in U.S. history, summarizing the objectives of religious fundamentals to a K-12 language arts curriculum. Decries the individual and societal operation of agnosis (not wanting to know). Condemns the publishing industry for self-censorship based on…

Discusses ways of approaching text and textbooks as embodiments of a larger process of cultural politics, focusing on the analysis of the relationships involved in their production, contexts, use, and reading. Newer forms of analysis that emphasize the politics of how students actually create meanings around texts are reviewed. (SLD)

This article describes a study of children's electronic books (e-books) technology. In particular, the focus is on devices used to access children's e-books, current available e-books and an e-book builder specifically for children. Three small case studies were conducted: two to evaluate how children accept the devices and one to test the ease of…

A British publisher conducted a readability study of its English language content area texts being used in foreign countries to determine how the texts could be made more readable. A cloze procedure assessment of a secondary school Hong Kong social studies series indicated that the English texts were too difficult for 91% of the pupils tested.…

A study conducted to determine the effectiveness of books one and two of "Primary English for Tanzania," currently in use in all elementary schools in that country, had two primary purposes: to provide feedback to curriculum developers and publishers for effective revision of the texts, and to increase the awareness and involvement of…

The results of a survey to determine the number of slow learners in the Warwick, Rhode Island, public schools are presented; guidelines are given for the emerging secondary program (grades 7 to 12). The slow learner is defined; and information is given concerning characteristics, identification, testing, placement, guidance and counseling, and…

This study indicates that intent to achieve statewide uniformity of curriculum, to ensure selection of high-quality textbooks, and to control textbook costs is firmly grounded in data sources. Adoption processes of "state adoption" states are not monolithic, and insight into adoption processes may be gained from "open" states.…

This publication is designed to encourage more voices in general and special education by providing advice for all education professionals interested in reaching colleagues by publishing their work. It addresses publishing books, curricula, and other products, articles, and grant proposals. Specific chapters include: (1) "Catching the Writing…

Presents a discussion by journalists, scientists, and writers on educational problems in the Soviet Union. Focuses on the the role of the pedagogical press in restructuring public education in light of perestroika. Calls for press involvement in defining and developing public education. Lists questions for consideration and invites responses. (NL)

In this essay, five researchers, who are also English educators, describe the research they have crafted to improve the quality of classroom literacy education. They begin by describing their common perspective afforded by linguistics, discourse analysis and related social theory. Their framework and studies describe their action-oriented…

This report is based on research comprising: (1) an examination of the paper trace of Atlantic Science Curriculum Project's (ASCP) history, including correspondence, records of meetings and conversations, contracts and curriculum documents, designs and materials; (2) a review of research and theoretical literature on the relationships between…

This dissertation determines how state-level textbook decisions were made in Texas during the period 1969-81. A combination of primary document, survey, and oral history data is employed to reveal actions of participants in three decision groups and their interactions with textbook publishers and petitioners during phases of three textbook…

United States history as a linchpin in the school curriculum and as a potentially exciting, sometimes electrifying, subject was the conviction underlying this analysis of U.S. history textbooks. This assessment investigates the capacity of leading U.S. social studies and history textbooks to inspire the imagination of students through effective…

The Canadian cultural focus of contemporary education in Canada is examined, with particular emphasis on language arts, literature, and social studies. Conclusions of the first two chapters are that language arts instructional materials frequently present powerful American and British (and only occasionally Canadian) themes; many reading series,…

Intended for independent study directors, course authors, and directors of home based or distance learning projects, this collection of current, practical guides on correspondence course development contains fourteen chapters authored by practicing home study educators and experts in their field. From Theory to Practice lists steps in course…