Proposes four criteria for evaluating college readers (anthologies), highlighting features that might foster those proficiencies of active reading discussed by Bleich, Rosenblatt, Holland, Dillon, Fish, and other prominent theorists. Applies those four criteria to four best-selling college anthologies. (HTH)

Reviews the strengths of Kenneth Cooper's updated 1984 edition of Carl Becker's MODERN HISTORY. Contends that while other high school history textbooks sell better, that Becker's text does a better job of teaching European history while helping students develop the advanced academic skills needed for higher education. (JDH)

As much as 90 percent of classroom instructional time is structured by instructional materials, especially textbook. Research shows, however, that textbooks alone are not enough. Analyses of elementary grade social studies textbooks reveal that the breadth is too wide and the depth too shallow. Specific examples are provided. (RM)

The author focuses on two areas of textbook evaluation: the appropriateness of content for the course for which it is intended and the effectiveness of the book's content organization or layout as a stimulus to student interest and learning. She discusses the table of contents, introductory paragraphs, photographs and diagrams, and terminology.…

The "skills trace" is a textbook evaluation process by which an evaluator isolates one skill and reads every reference listed in the index of the teacher's manual. The evaluator then observes how that skill is introduced, taught, practiced, and tested throughout the grades. (Author/DCS)

Examined 55 speech communication textbooks published since 1980 and found few that consider the issue of sexism in language. Explores reasons for this neglect, focusing on one area of change: masculine generics. (PD)

An examination of approved California state textbooks showed that the majority of the books fail to reflect the past or present realities of the Asian American experience. None of the books reviewed did an adequate job of integrating the experience of Asian Americans. (RM)

Presents guidelines for use in examining the comprehensibility of a textbook, questions to ask about the book, and suggestions for using the guide questions. (FL)

Intermediate level texts for language classes which emphasize Canadian culture are reviewed. (GW)

Description of the method and results of a study that evaluated introductory psychology textbooks according to their human interest and readability. It updates a previous study. (ND)

Discussion of textbooks criticizes review and selection by professors without consideration for price, publishers who push sales of new or revised textbooks instead of older textbooks, and emphasis on readability and teaching techniques rather than on content. (ND)

Anonymous criticism of a reading consultant's readability analysis of the authors' introductory psychology textbook. (ND)

Lists ten common flaws found in reading workbooks, kits, and other materials and provides examples of each drawn from specific commercially-prepared materials. (TO)

This study was designed to identify components and implied sequence for teaching those composition skills identified by experts and to determine whether or not these research decisions are reflected in the textbooks used by elementary teachers. The textbooks and the authorities' views were found to disagree and be of insufficient assistance to…