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)

This article reflects on others serialized in the same publication and the general call for a scientific pedagogy in curriculum development around the field of learning disabilities. Curriculum design, textbook adoption processes, and ongoing curriculum alignment are discussed in terms of scientific pedagogy in general and sameness analysis in…

Describes how to determine to what extent mathematics standards are addressed in curriculum materials and discusses some important characteristics of new as well as traditional mathematics materials. Summarizes how a group of Kentucky mathematics teachers used the analysis procedure in their state textbook-adoption process. (ASK)

In a study designed to determine the impact of state curriculum initiatives on curriculum framework, student assessment, and textbook adoption in the science curriculum, researchers interviewed state education agency staff, completed four case studies in four districts, and surveyed 100 school districts at random in each of the three diverse…

Designed to outline minimum course content for Arizona public schools, this K-12 curriculum guide is divided into 3 sections covering philosophy, goals, and scope and sequence. The stated philosophy emphasizes appreciation of history and culture, skill in acquiring and validating knowledge, critical thinking, and appreciation of…

Questions content of many introductory courses in political science, pointing out most courses focus on the U.S. political system, not the discipline and its basic theoretical and conceptual elements. Argues for a generalist approach that gives students a better understanding of political systems and the global world. Includes authors, choices,…

Reports findings of a survey exploring the status of law-related education in public and private middle and high schools in Oakland County, Michigan. Examines relationship between wealthier school districts and frequency of law-related classes. Identifies primary textbooks. Concludes a high percentage of schools offer law-related classes. (CH)

Reports on a study of how seven fifth-grade teachers organized their social studies curriculum following the adoption of a new textbook. Finds that teaching styles were more varied than might be expected given the similarity of materials. Discusses three observed teaching styles. (CFR)

Reports on a review of 25 content analysis studies of social studies textbooks published between 1982 and 1992. Finds that many of the problems noted in other types of social studies research also are evident in these studies. Provides recommendations for improving the quality of content analysis studies. (CFR)

A teaching handbook accompanying North Carolina's revised competency-based curriculum for second language instruction in elementary and secondary schools is presented. An introductory section outlines the philosophy and rationale behind the curriculum and its revision, discusses the role of thinking skills in learning, briefly describes programs…