Three high school biology textbooks were analyzed to determine possible sources of misconceptions and related learning problems associated with genetics. Misconceptions were examined in these categories: conceptual organization; conceptual relations; use of terminology; and mathematical elements. Implications for instruction related to each…

Briefly reviews the literature on sex discrimination in U. S. history textbooks and its potential impact on students. Presents the results of a content analysis of five high school U. S. history textbooks adopted in Texas during 1979-84. Concludes sex discrimination and sex stereotyping were present in these textbooks. (JDH)

The author recounts his experiences in the textbook adoption process during his tenure on the California State Board of Education from 1975 to 1981. The focus on legal criteria (such as the reflection of cultural or racial diversity or print and page size), he argues, too often overrides concern with quality of the books' contents. (GC)

This study demonstrated a direct relationship between achievement level (measured by responses to biological items on the 1977 National Assessment of Educational Progress's science survey) and concept emphasis in biology textbooks. In addition, recommendations of Project Synthesis were not found in newer biology textbooks. Other findings are…

Discusses the historical evolution of four types of grammars in the English language as well as some causes of the problems people experience in using modern grammars of English. Contends that grammars are a "text type" that rests on quite specific text structural principles and on several textual levels. (SED)

The controversies over textbook content common in the 1960s and 1970s have been resolved for the most part, but now a new debate over textbook quality is surfacing. The forces for change are led by instructional designers, advocates of educational rigor, and those urging preparation for tomorrow's technological world. (PGD)

Discusses how the decimal monetary system was created, considering colonial currency, continental currency, money under the Articles of Confederation, and money under the Constitution. Also discusses how money is taught in arithmetic textbooks during these times. (JN)

A review of the content of seven college textbooks for introductory courses in education confirms that the subject matter covered in introductory texts varies a great deal. (RM)

To determine effect upon comprehension of technical information of text presentation, visual presentation, and execution of an activity, 140 junior high students were tested for comprehension of a passage on slip casting. Data from 14 experimental groups were analyzed by Verbatim Cloze, Idea Cloze, and Recall. Independent application of…

Analyzes changes in content and shifts in emphasis in rhetoric texts from the beginning of the nineteenth century to the present. Suggests that the current-traditional approach to the teaching of rhetoric used in most college classrooms has a strong similarity to that advocated by early rhetoricians. (RBW)

Reviews nine readers for basic writing courses in three categories: reader-rhetoric, readers designed for basic writing classes, and readers adaptable to both freshman composition and basic writing. States that texts should offer prose models and topics for composition as well as offering a selection appropriate to students who have difficulty…

The Texas attorney general has said that this state's textbook antievolution rules violate the First Amendment. Responses and issues related to this statement are discussed. The history of these rules is also discussed. (JN)

Examines the role of organization in adults' processing of stories. Canonical stories were better recalled than noncanonical stories by all three age groups (young, middle-aged, and old adults), and a variety of measures indicated that older adults' recall was both quantitatively and qualitatively similar to that of young adults. (SL)

A description and explanation of "Native Literature," the literature textbook for fourth graders. (ND)

Materials selected for instruction should be concerned and sensitive to the self-concept of all children. (JH)