Selecting textbooks can be a difficult and overwhelming process. Inundated with choices of texts and supplemental materials, teachers have many factors to consider. This brochure is designed to assist with the process by offering both key questions for discussion and criteria for evaluating textbooks.

It is widely believed that item selection methods using the maximum information approach (MI) can maintain high efficiency in trait estimation by repeatedly choosing high discriminating (alpha) items. However, the consequence is that they lead to extremely skewed item exposure distribution in which items with high alpha values becoming overly…

This paper describes the graded response model. The graded response model represents a family of mathematical models that deal with ordered polytomous categories, such as: (1) letter grading; (2) an attitude survey with "strongly disagree, disagree, agree, and strongly agree" choices; (3) partial credit given in accord with an…

This paper presents comparisons among three item-selection criteria for the sequential probability ratio test. The criteria were compared in terms of their efficiency in selecting items, as indicated by average test length and the percentage of correct decisions. The item-selection criteria applied in this study were the Fisher information…

The results of a comparison of eight different typing programs involving a variety of media indicate that the most effective programs tended to be those that devoted relatively little time to detailed instruction during keyboard learning and emphasized speed by forced-pace typing during skill building. (Author/JA)

Two out-of-print book buying methods, searching desiderata files against out-of print book catalogs and advertising want lists in The Library Bookseller,'' are compared based on the data collected from a sample of 168 titles. (7 references) (Author)

The author's credo is not to write anything unless it is usable, good news, or usable information to interdict and humanely supersede the reality of some particular bad news. She urges librarians and publishers to desist their perpetuation of the status quo under the mantle of realism. (Author/SJ)

Argues that a distinction can be made between mentally ill and healthy teachers. Suggests that teacher candidates be screened for signs of inadequate psychological adjustment. Also urges regular evaluation of new teachers. (JF)

The importance of an up-to-date information file is discussed, using the quest for the name of Paul Revere's horse as an example. A list of Famous Riders and Their Horses'' is included as an indication of the type material to be included in an information file. (SM)