Proposes modifying standard readability formulas, such as the Fry and Flesch, by determining which words in a given passage would be taught as vocabulary words. These words are given the value of one syllable. In examples using this method, the readability is reduced from eighth to fourth grade. (KC)

When readability formulas are used to review workbooks and textbooks their value is limited because application techniques have failed to take into consideration the exercises and examples in these books. The O'Hear and Ramsey (OR) Corrective technique has been developed to alleviate this problem. It allows readability data to be used accurately…

Passages from a standard American history textbook were revised by three pairs of writers: text linguists, college composition instructors, and former Time-Life editors. Students who read the magazine writers' rewrite were able to recall about 40 percent more of what they read than students who read only the original. (KH)

A quantitative and qualitative analyses of prescribed standard eight biology textbooks are discussed in relation to the teaching of ecology. Identifies problems related to relying on prescribed texts for instruction and considers some of the facets that need to be addressed in the compilation of texts. (LZ/Author)

A new approach to measuring readability is proposed based on the analysis of texts as causally connected chains of actions, physical states, and mental states. Using the inference load formula reflecting the difficulty readers have in inferring causal connections, the difficulty of texts can be adjusted for readers differing in skill or knowledge.…

Analyzes the readability of two science textbook series and suggests that teachers not only should be aware of textual material not easily handled by students but also should be sensitive to the kind of language used in teacher-made worksheets. (AEA)

Provides five key questions teachers need to answer in order to determine whether a textbook can be used effectively in the classroom. (FL)

A review of the literature on the relationship between reading ability and mathematical ability shows the process of reading mathematics to be very different from the process of reading English prose. (AEA)

Examines advantages and disadvantages of using textbooks as the basis for curriculum and instruction, discussing textbooks as the predominant instructional medium. The article describes attributes of good textbooks and text structures, identifies strategies for improving readers' text comprehension, and notes teachers' role as facilitators in…

Discusses the applicability of research into cognitive schemas, metacognition, instructional design, and learning strategies to textbook creation; the value of well-structured, coherent, and focused texts; readability formulas, narrative characteristics, science and social studies texts, glossaries, dictionaries, teachers' manuals, and practice…

Classroom teachers frequently express concern that textbooks and other curriculum materials are too difficult for their students. The objectives of this investigation were to develop a method for scoring the Level of Abstraction (LOA) of science reading material, and explore its relationship with certain other known methods for assessing…

Raises issues concerning pupils' interactions with mathematics textbooks. Discusses problems related to effective reading and the ability to interpret graphs, diagrams, and symbols. (NH)

In compliance with Title 14, Section 12 of the Delaware Code, this document sets forth statewide policies and guidelines developed by the Delaware State Board of Education for selecting textbooks and other educational materials. After a brief introduction and a policy statement, recommendations are provided to local school districts for…

Analyses of elementary and secondary social studies textbooks, supplementary materials, and teacher resource materials, all published in 1984 and 1985, are presented. The objective is to provide a review of curriculum materials which will allow K-12 teachers, administrators, curriculum coordinators, and college methods teachers to select…

This article introduces and discusses some aspects of the complex problem of textbook reform, and suggests what the future holds for textbooks. (DCS)