Presents a summary review of 36 introductory college level astronomy textbooks for nonscience majors. References to more detailed reviews published elsewhere are provided where they exist. (SL)

Sentences in a high school French I textbook were examined to determine the extent to which the writers controlled French syntactic surface structures in terms of their differences with English equivalents. Results show students were exposed to L1-L2 syntactic differences without explanation, and such sentences could cause future difficulties.…

Compares nine basic reporting texts with regard to such items as chapter length, presence or absence of a glossary, reading ease, human interest, and treatment of sexism in language. (GW)

The purpose of this study was to test the validity of the Fry Readability Graph on an eighth grade social studies textbook. It was found to be a valid measure by using an achievement test, and by comparing between groups of students who should and should not have comprehended the test. For journal availability, see SO 505 690. (Author/JR)

Proposes that the Conference on College Composition and Communication organize a task force charged with recommending specific solutions to the problems of textbook reviewing and selection. (MS)

Examines approximately one-third of the more than 100 college-level U.S. government textbooks, separating them into four general categories: traditional, thematic, essentials, and ideological. Evaluates texts on the basis of accuracy, readability, adequacy, coverage of certain topics, treatment of women and minorities, and particular policy areas.…

Examines the state of economic education with respect to the natural environment, discussing the role of textbooks in the formation of public policy and the effect of environmental economics on classroom literature. Surveys widely-used college texts, assessing their strengths and weaknesses, and notes possible directions in the field's future.…

A content analysis of 48 elementary school health textbooks was performed to identify and describe hearing health information and to assess its usefulness in preventing hearing loss. While containing roughly equal amounts of theoretical information, the texts lacked sufficient mobilizing information, that which allows readers to act on their…

Discusses the problems involved in textbook publication, stressing the importance of providing a broad-gauged national history in the face of opposition from religious and other special interest groups. Expresses the need for educators and others to form advocacy groups or lobby for improved textbook writing and content. (GEA)

Describes "Research in Technical Communication" as a superb resource appropriate for anyone interested in business, technical, even legal communication. Notes that the book contains a wealth of bibliographic citations as well as comprehensive coverage of a diversity of topics. (JD)

Surveyed anatomy texts currently in use in a major western medical school. In text sections dealing with standard (nongender-specific) anatomy, male subjects were shown in 64 percent of the illustrations in which gender was discernible, females in ll percent, and gender-neutral representations, 25 percent. Females and males were represented…

Psychology of women textbooks (N=28) were reviewed to determine if their treatment of Afro-American women replicated errors made in introductory textbooks in regard to the treatment of women in general. Results indicated 18 books offered token or no references to Afro-American women, suggesting race and class bias do exist. (Author/BL)

The Educational Products Information Exchange (EPIE), a nonprofit national education materials review organization, analyzed 10 elementary social studies textbook series. Results, which are discussed in this article, show that elementary-level social studies textbooks are not good enough. Recommendations are made. (RM)

Six behavioral statistics textbooks listed by their publishers as "bestsellers" during 1982 were reviewed by the author. The intent was to detect the presence of and to discuss the nature of some theoretical inferential inaccuracies, misinterpretations and errors. (Author/LMO)