In this paper on the school textbook system in Japan, information is provided on the school textbook system during the post-war period. Topics discussed in this area include: (1) the establishment of the school textbook authorization system; (2) improvements to the school textbook system; (3) putting the free school (public school) textbook system…

To determine what procedures and criteria are being used in states with state-wide textbook adoption and to determine what similarities and differences might exist from state to state, state textbook administrators in such states were asked to respond to a 39-item questionnaire and to supply materials that explained their states' procedures and…

An examination of eight widely used college English handbooks published since 1974 reveals a range of sexist usage, indicating that authors and editors have not reached a general consensus on which practices they and student writers are to avoid as sexist. Sexism is still manifest in handbooks in such practices as the following: using sexually…

This report is the second part of a continuing effort to evaluate the economic content and related teaching strategies of new social studies textbook series used in the elementary grades. The following five textbook series are examined: (1) The World of Mankind (Follett); (2) The Ginn Social Science Series; (3) Our Family of Man (Harper and Row);…

The symposium, held in Wiesbaden, West Germany, November 11-17, 1973, examined the results of recent programs and research dealing with the teaching of modern languages to young children and formulated certain recommendations for submission to the Council for Cultural Cooperation of the Council of Europe. The following reports were presented: (1)…

Suggests that those who evaluate textbooks for adoption in schools use a framework such as the one included, which examines writing style, tone, analogies and illustrations, sentence and paragraph coherence, headings and subheadings, and location of charts, graphs, and figures. (JC)

Discusses the conflicts and controversies associated with public acceptance of certain teaching materials and textbooks. Cites specific court cases and outlines the issues involved in the adoption process. Reviews efforts taken by different states in addressing the quality of instructional materials. (ML)

Experts who had been suggesting criteria for "considerate text"--text that facilitates understanding, learning, and remembering--were challenged to write an ideal textbook. The chapter--"Americans Develop Plans for Government"--that they wrote in response to the challenge is presented here. The rationale and strategy they used…

Discusses the applicability of research into cognitive schemas, metacognition, instructional design, and learning strategies to textbook creation; the value of well-structured, coherent, and focused texts; readability formulas, narrative characteristics, science and social studies texts, glossaries, dictionaries, teachers' manuals, and practice…

Because of revisions made in the content of history textbooks, Japan has been accused of attempting to rewrite history as part of a larger conspiracy to brainwash students and to rearm the nation. Discussed are the legal authority of the national government to screen and approve textbooks and international reactions. (RM)

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)

Discusses a study which investigated effects of the New Social Studies movement on social studies textbooks published in the 1970s. Topics discussed include characteristics of the New Social Studies, textbook analysis, and changes reflected in textbooks from 1950 to 1970. (Author/DB)

Discusses the debate over world history survey courses. Examines eight world history textbooks. Compares the treatment of the following topics: Hammurabi's Code, Buddhism, the fall of the Bastille, and the Korean War. Also reviews goals, use of maps, visuals, and skills involving analysis of primary and secondary sources. (RW)

This article examines the history textbooks available in 1998 for adoption in the United States at both the high school and elementary levels. New books have appeared on the scene since the last textbook adoption series. California begins its textbook considerations in August. The California adoption will rekindle national interest in the content…

This paper addresses a decline in educational standards and discusses the role of curriculum. After defining the problem, it presents the evidence, pointing to the following factors: (1) decreasing student achievement after the fourth or fifth grade; (2) a curriculum that reflects and perpetuates this decline, e.g., by setting course requirements…