Well-informed decisions on curricular materials can be an efficient way to boost student achievement. Prior studies have employed experimental and quasi-experimental designs to investigate the effects of textbooks on mathematics achievement. This is the first study to consider textbook effects in social studies education. Within the context of a…

There is increasing momentum behind the idea that curriculum materials, including textbooks, represent a powerful lever for education reform. As funders are lining up and state leaders are increasing their policy attention on curriculum materials, this report discusses the very real challenges of this effort. The report draws on my experience over…

As the demographics of the Australian population changes, it is essential for the public education system to not only cater for the needs of the new community groups that form but also to help ensure that education is used as a vehicle to facilitate social harmony, understanding and equality. The link between disadvantaged and marginalised…

Same-sex marriage is part of a global civil rights struggle for LGBQ rights. How this movement is framed, advanced, and critiqued across the globe can be linked to how young people in schools are prepared to deliberate social issues in the political sphere. This article examines national history books as cultural artifacts that present what is…

This paper reports on a study of systems analysis textbooks in terms of topics covered and academic background of the authors. It addresses the consistency within IS curricula with respect to the content of a systems analysis and design course using the object-oriented approach. The research questions addressed were 1: Is there a consistency among…

Some points to consider in selecting textbooks for students at different ability levels and for different types of British secondary schools are briefly discussed. (DT)

Although few would question the public school's legitimate role in transmitting societal values, controversy surrounds what those values should be and who should make such decisions. School boards should have policies in place to handle curriculum challenges and to establish review committees with broad representation for the selection of…

This article outlines points to consider when reviewing textbooks and proposes a format to assist the educator in the selection process. The format includes establishing a philosophy and framework, forming a committee, including student representation, developing an outline, acquiring materials for review, and using an evaluation tool. (CT)

Speech delivered at the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development meetings (Chicago, spring, 1969). Urges that students and teachers should be involved in selection of curriculum and library materials. (JS)

Determines whether the textbook "Elements of Writing" is an improvement over "Warriner's" which it replaces. Considers how in determining whether a textbook promotes the curriculum and daily activities that lead to a rich perspective of writing, teachers need to consider what it means for a textbook to focus on writing and what teachers mean by…

Seven articles comprise an overview of social studies teaching in Indiana. Content includes a definition of the social studies, applications of Indiana law to social studies, textbook adoption procedures, K-12 curriculum trends, state organizations related to social studies, print and media resources, and suggestions for finding teaching jobs in…

This speech calls attention to some recent judicial developments relative to the public school curriculum (curriculum being defined to encompass all experiences provided for public school students under the aegis of public school authorities). Curricular elements, be they whole courses or single words, may be analyzed legally in terms of whether…

Representative, delegated school governance by elected officials intrinsically vests curricular control in those officials. Because their offices are created so that the schools may be governed, they have authority to govern the schools--even especially--in the delicate and critical areas of deciding how and what the schools shall teach.…

A close look at college reading lists and publishers' best sellers reveals that classics remain an essential part of the English curriculum at most schools. The popularity of the Bible and Cliffs Notes of classics confirms the interest in classic works. (SLD)

Discusses a ten-step program that utilizes both a steering committee and a teachers committee for textbook selection; recommended for selecting textbooks in any discipline in any school involving a large number of teachers. (MLH)