Recalls the development of the International Textbook Institute whose main aim was to overcome prejudice and the outmoded values of the national state as contained in textbooks. Discusses the contributions of the Council of Europe and UNESCO in revising textbooks and suggests methods of textbook research. (Author/RK)

Refutes the claim that textbooks are responsible for educational difficulties. States that textbooks are a reflection of what teachers want. Provides a behind the scenes look at textbook production. Points out the problems created by the lack of a national curriculum and the textbook policies of state adoption committees. (RW)

Evaluates textbook content in light of goals set forth by the National Science Teacher's Association Project Synthesis. Examines the history of textbook change over two decades in comparison to CHEM Study 1963. Summarizes major features of texts that promote memorization at the expense of understanding. (JM)