Intellectual demands of learning outcomes in the intended curriculum have always been a concern across the field of science education. In particular, the representation of those learning outcomes stipulated by the intended curriculum in science textbooks has become a big issue for both science curriculum studies and science teaching practice. To…

Presents a standard textbook adoption process orchestrated by a textbook selection committee. The committee conducts a needs survey, reviews materials, selects three series finalists, arranges for the publishers of the selected materials to make presentations to the faculty, visits schools using the materials, and makes a final choice. (Author/WD)

Provides guidelines for evaluation in textbook selection. (MD)

Using short-term pilot programs to evaluate textbooks can lead to unreliable results and interfere with effective education. Alternative methods for evaluating textbook-based programs include obtaining documented analyses of competitors' products from sales agents, visiting districts using programs being considered, and examining publishers' own…

Presents a point-counterpoint discussion focusing on four issues involved in the positive and negative values of using textbooks: (1) encyclopedic or comprehensive; (2) third-hand sources or efficient compilations; (3) expensive or cost effective; and (4) authors, known and unknown. Suggests that textbook adoption decisions should be based on the…

Suggestions are made for each step in the process of selecting textbooks to support classroom instruction of hearing-impaired students. Steps include conducting a needs assessment, locating potential materials, defining roles of selection committee members, and developing evaluation criteria. An evaluation form and a timeline for the selection…

The study surveyed colleges to determine what texts were being selected for use in graduate level courses in gifted education. The types and levels of the courses, as well as the reasons for selection of the identified texts, were also determined. A summary of text content plus respondent comments is provided for the most frequently selected…

The speaker discusses the establishment of a district policy on the selection of books and the procedures that should be followed if a controversy develops. (IRT)

Textbook evaluation guidelines are presented for the selection of health texts for use in elementary-secondary school classes. (MJB)

One of a series dealing with current issues affecting language arts instruction, this paper brings into focus some of the issues surrounding textbooks in the schools so that informed decisions can be made regarding textbook selection and use. The major portion of the paper explores professional opinions regarding textbooks, noting the following:…

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)

Suggests sources which can guide schools in evaluating textbooks. (MKM)

The process of selecting a new textbook depends on whether the school board can select any textbook on the market or whether state funds can be spent only on textbooks of which the state has approved. Critics of the textbook selection process argue that much of what publishers offer has already been dictated by the 22 adoption states. (MLF)

Defines textbook genre as the manner of presentation of material and implied relationship between the author and reader. Describes a method of objectively dividing textbooks into moves separated by shifts in emphasis, and gives a genre analysis of an exemplar textbook to demonstrate how the technique might be useful in evaluating textbooks for…

Intended to help educators select textbooks that represent the highest standards of quality instruction, these guidelines describe major aspects of textbooks--of language arts instruction--considered essential. Following an introduction, the eight guidelines (whose features should be central to a program's design and should pervade the entire…