Contends that if textbooks are to be improved it is essential that teachers, administrators, and textbook selectors become more demanding and discriminating consumers. Examines various textbook components that need improvement such as: (1) photographs; (2) basic skills exercises; (3) worksheets; and (4) content. (BSR)

Presents opposing views concerning the effects of the publishing industry on the English curriculum. (JL)

Teachers' ability to act as full professionals is significantly limited by textbook programs in state and local curricula as well as the use of standardized achievement tests. Curriculum reform and upgrading of teacher professionalism go hand in hand. (SK)

The author discusses with Charlotte Crabtree, principal author of the California History Social Science Framework, the place of history within the curriculum in the context of recent social studies curriculum reforms. Delineates how multiculturalism, religion, and history are treated in the framework. Describes the textbook selection process and…

Changes in textbook adoption policies in three states--North Carolina, Texas, and California--are examined in this paper, which analyzes major legislative or regulatory changes in the context of each state's educational improvement efforts. Findings indicate a growing conflict between advocates for statewide versus local responsibility for…

During the late sixties and early seventies a new nontextbook, lab-centered approach was used in science instruction in elementary grades. With the arrival of the eighties, science curriculum has come full circle, and new science textbooks with corresponding curriculum guides are being adopted. (JN)

Analyzes the impact on secondary school curriculum of Hong Kong's return to Chinese sovereignty. States that changes will be influenced through curriculum controls including: providing curriculum-wide guidelines, selecting range and content of subjects, and selecting textbooks. Concludes that state bureaucracy plays a critical role in the…

A description is provided of the development of "The History of the Modern World," a one-semester course offered at Bronx Community College (BCC), which was designed to survey the major aspects of the significant events that are part of the political, economic, social and cultural heritage that have shaped the course of world history since 1850.…

Supports a national core curriculum for Canadian public schools which incorporates attitudes and values consistent with the economic, cultural, and social well-being of the country. Notes needs for materials development and selection, student evaluation methods and leadership, and lists seven concerns regarding a national curriculum. (SB)

Discusses the California History-Social Science Framework (1988), in which history is at the center of the social sciences. Traces the sequencing of history courses from the elementary grades through high school, highlighting the interplay between world and United States history which provides a global context for learning. Examines the…

As economics becomes a school subject for a wider variety of secondary school students in Great Britain, instead of being limited to a few higher ability boys, the need for more appropriate texts also grows. Texts and sources which use a greater variety of approaches and material are discussed. (IS)

Because textbooks are essential instructional tools, they should play a major role in educational reform for excellence. Despite improvements in response to ethnic and women's movements, deterioration in textbook quality has occurred through competition for markets. Former Secretary of Education Terrel Bell observed in 1984 that educators should…

Examines eight factors affecting change in the California social studies curriculum. Considers Limited-English-Proficient students, uninterested students, teacher standards, teacher recruitment, support of teachers, the 1988 History-Social Science Framework, textbook adoption, and the California Assessment Program. Argues that a proactive…

There has always been a traditional bias in the learning materials used in schools. Due to a growing awareness of this bias, educators have become sensitive to the need for change in curricular materials. The trend in textbook publication has been to pretend that discrimination no longer exists in the United States. The extensive textbook…

Discussed is the influence of mathematics textbooks on the sequence and amount of mathematics taught in middle grades. An alternative method of organizing mathematics instruction is proposed. The issue of homework is addressed. (KR)