The study compared the effectiveness of two types of science textbook adaptations--graphics and study guides--and of self-study with 49 learning-disabled high school students in four classes. Results indicated better test scores for students using graphics-adapted texts. No differences were found between study guide adaptations and self-study.…

Criticizes the organization, emphases, scope, and intellectual challenges of basal social studies textbooks widely used in elementary schools. Includes recommendations for improving such textbooks and social studies curricula. (MCG)

English for Academic Purposes (EAP) professionals know that initial efforts to produce or adapt materials generally require evaluative review and revision. A review process that solicits feedback from teacher and student users is critical because materials writers often find it difficult to envision the problems others may have with their…

In the fall of 1984, the Education Commission of the States (ECS) was awarded a grant from the U.S. Secretary of Education's Discretionary Fund to identify alternative state roles for improving instructional materials in mathematics. To help state leaders define an appropriate and effective role in upgrading these materials, ECS proposed first to…

Presents information on textbook design and marketing practices, and their consequences for textbook content; recommends that selection committees firmly define the role of the textbook in curriculum, and adapt published materials to their school system's unique requirements. (MCG)

Guided readers are written so students of English as a second language (ESL) can read them without supervision, and graded for different levels of reading competence. A superlative guided reader allows the student to read with such comfort and assurance that he will forget English is not his native language, be willing to guess, and become…

Stating that the primary function of textbooks is to transmit quantity and quality of knowledge, Woodward argues that photographs and other design features should be relevant to the topic, extending learning beyond the written text. Presents recommendations for evaluating the instructional quality of textbook photographs. (GEA)

This project sought to improve the utility of science and social studies textbooks used by mainstreamed handicapped children, by considering the special needs of children who are sensorily or cognitively impaired. The project reviewed the literature, developed a text analysis tool to determine if textbooks contain effective teaching strategies,…

Examines college (introductory level) biology textbooks commonly used since 1950. Reports trends in new textbooks including length, graphics and content. Makes projections of future trends. Identifies major issues facing colleges related to biology textbook users. (CW)