The purpose of this document is to provide reasonable, systematic standards for evaluation of instructional materials upon which evaluators may base their judgments, so that the results of the evaluation process will be as nearly consistent and therefore, as equitable, as possible. The guidelines are based on the social content requirements of the…

This issue of Literacy Discussion explains the joint Arab strategy for illiteracy eradication and reviews Iraq's particular situation. The first of six articles traces literacy development in the Arab World leading up to the adoption of the Arab Literacy strategy at the 1976 Third Alexandria Conference in Baghdad, Iraq. It also presents…

On October 14, 1974, the Kanawha County Association of Classroom Teachers requested that the Teacher Rights Division of the National Education Association (NEA) conduct an investigation into the textbook controversy. This report contains information on the background, evolution, educational consequences, and dynamics of the conflict, and the…

In Georgia, professional textbook selection for the public schools has been undermined by a small interest group influencing the State Board of Education. Normally textbooks are selected by a professional committee whose recommendations are adopted by the Board. In 1971 "The Americans," edited by Edwin Fenton and recommended by the selection…

Containing quantitative analyses of 49 reading, literature, and social studies series, this resource guide is intended for use by parents and educators who are concerned with sex, race, and career role bias in elementary school textbooks. The eight chapters of the guide include the following: charts of major character role and career role…

This student paper, a first place winner in the 1987 National History Day competition, relates events of the first college textbook controversy in the United States. In 1947, University of Wyoming trustees authorized reviewing textbooks for "subversive tendencies." Faculty and trustees successfully negotiated the controversy, resulting…

Various articles include the following concerns: a year-long study shows that 66 books about Asian Americans are elitist, racist, and sexist; practical guidelines for selection of nonracist, nonsexist books are provided; a noted playwright looks at the image of Asian Americans in children's books and finds it racist science fiction; the…

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…