The author suggests that quality selection of textbooks at the local level is more likely to occur when: (1) administrators involve teachers, subject-matter specialists, and others in the selection process; (2) these individuals comprise a committee which makes a regular, continuing study of textbooks; (3) they consider using materials recently…

This article has four purposes: (1) to define sexism relating to foreign language textbooks; (2) to exemplify manifestations of this s and elimination of sexism in future projects. (CHK)

New editions of selected college textbooks have been found to be more difficult than former ones, and experiments show that students learn less effectively from the new editions. Guidelines are offered for choosing textbooks, such as writing style, conceptual density, and the utility of readability analyses. (Editor/LBH)

Reviews practical suggestions for social studies textbook evaluation based on research by the Asia Society Textbook Evaluation Project. Teachers should check prices, reading levels, and overall objectives; identify authors and publication dates; and determine underlying assumptions about other cultures depicted in the books. (AV)

An alternative to readability formulas and achievement tests to let high school students read orally and then recount what they read. Vocabulary scores and oral reading rates were demonstrated as the best predictors of test performance with a minimum oral reading rate of 135 words per minute necessary to profit from textbooks. (Author/DB)

Presents the views of three secondary-level teachers regarding the use of textbooks in geography instruction. (JDH)

Presents the concerns and ideological agenda of Accuracy in Academia (AIA). Argues that there is a real threat that professors' rights to textbook selection are endangered by such groups. (MS)

Presents procedures for improving school district textbook adoption practices to create a better match between student and texts. Emphasizes the importance of overcoming both the traditional reliance on publishers for textbook adoption rationales, and the frequent aversion of educators toward using technologies such as student textbook readability…

The powerful influence the state of Texas exerts in textbook adoptions throughout the country is analyzed. In revising a text or writing a new book, it is easier for publishers to omit issues that may be controversial than lose out on an adoption and big money. (RM)

Identifies three categories of specific aptitudes pertinent to success in school. Cites research that indicates a person will learn more effectively if material is presented in a mode matched to his aptitude profile, and advocates consideration of this in preparing instructional materials or selecting textbooks. (GS)

The suit claimed violation of First and Fourteenth Amendment rights in that the school board, disregarding the recommendation of faculty, refused to approve Joseph Heller's "Catch 22" and Kurt Vonnegut's "God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater" as texts or library books. (Author)

In "The Strongsville Case" decision school librarians should spot two points to consider very carefully. They are: (1) the necessity of written book selection policies and (2) procedures for handling complaints. (Author)

Described is the Textbook Questioning Strategies Assessment Instrument and its utilization by teachers in the selection of a secondary level biology textbook. (SL)

Identification of objectives, review of texts, assessment of outcomes, and consideration of students are suggested procedures for effective textbook adoption. (Author)

Describes an actual study to illustrate how school districts might utilize research techniques in making decisions as to the most suitable textbooks to be adopted in their schools. (JR)