The authors present a 20-item inventory for textbook selection designed to supplement the Fry Formula or the Raygor Estimate readability tests. The authors argue that a harmonious relationship should exist between the text, its author, its intended readers, and the instructor. (Author/PGD)

Although few would question the public school's legitimate role in transmitting societal values, controversy surrounds what those values should be and who should make such decisions. School boards should have policies in place to handle curriculum challenges and to establish review committees with broad representation for the selection of…

Examines Texas adoption process, described by author as having an inordinate impact on textbook market. Creationist opposition to evolution content in biological textbooks is well organized. Author presents 10 arguments made at hearing by creationists that he describes as a monument to scientific illiteracy. Asserts that creationists' confusion of…

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…

Encourages educators to carefully examine the textbook adoption process, especially the way in which adoption committees evaluate and select instructional materials. Reviews the available research literature on the textbook adoption process and includes recommendations for improving the process. Discusses guidelines for designing evaluation…

Discusses the difficulty of creating recommended reading lists, examining the development of California's recommended reading list and suggesting that lists succeed or fail not because of a book that is or is not included but because of the range they suggest. Concludes that in order to be successful, a list needs constant revision by teachers,…

The purpose of this study was to examine the foreign language curricula in Japanese high schools for the purpose of gaining insight into alternative views of foreign language education. Teachers, administrators, and staff at two high schools in Miyagi Prefecture were interviewed. Teachers were asked about testing, placement procedures, standards,…

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 chapter of "The Best of the Best of ERIC" contains 12 annotations of documents and journal articles on textbook selection and controversy, all of which are indexed in the ERIC system. Materials on censorship, case studies of textbook controversies, the image of minority groups in textbooks, and other topics are annotated. (DS)

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)