Examines the sociological mechanism which is driven by five audiences (students, instructors, peer/colleagues, publishers, and the individual's inner feelings/needs), which shapes the college textbooks that are adopted and used by today's science teaching community. (JN)

Reports a study to assess the professional productivity of the primary and secondary authors of the 10 available elementary science textbook series as 1 criterion in evaluating textbooks for adoption by school districts. Professional productivity based on presentations at professional meetings and articles published in professional journals was…

Discusses the factors that have determined the author's approach to writing medical physiology textbooks. Reviews the author's career and the events surrounding the development of each textbook. Explains the motivation behind critical decisions made during the authoring process. (DDR)

Discusses relationships among teachers, curriculum package authors, and publishers. Describes the Atlantic Science Curriculum Project's reform efforts. Recommends that curriculum development projects include: (1) lengthy informal development; (2) combined testing of design and materials; (3) the withholding of contracts until materials are in…

Presents a rationale for the desirability and advantages of writing as a means for scholarly growth, service to the professional community, and learning from one's co-authors. Considers what, how, and when to write, interactions with the publisher, and the future of book-writing. (JM)

This "Writers' Handbook" was prepared in response to the many requests for "a book that tells how to write textbooks and other educational materials for schools." These requests have come from educators of other countries as well as from the United States. The authors believe that the handbook holds valuable information and suggestions for heads…