THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BASAL READER FROM ITS BEGINNINGS IN THE LATE 1700'S TO ITS STATUS IN THE GRADED SCHOOLS OF TODAY IS SURVEYED. THE MCGUFFEY READERS ARE CITED AS THE FIRST CAREFULLY GRADED SERIES OF ONE READER FOR EACH GRADE IN THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. SINCE THEN, CHANGES IN CONTENT, TYPOGRAPHY, IN QUANTITY AND QUALITY OF ILLUSTRATIONS,…

The purpose of this study was to determine whether: (1) a new basal reading series (N Series) contained a larger variety of sentence patterns in beginning reading materials than a traditional reading series (T Series); (2) the variety of language patterns was systematically increased in beginning reading materials within either series; (3) the T…

Teacher editions of four basal reading series used in the first, fourth, and sixth grades were analyzed to determine the extent of inclusion and explanation of the levels of questioning. Questions from the first two, middle two, and last two stories in each of the teacher editions were analyzed. All teacher editions examined recognized the…

Primary reading textbooks used in Israel were examined for sexual stereotyping. It was determined that male and female descriptions in the textbooks differ from true life situations. High correlations were also found between particular personality traits and sex in the books, which do not also exist in reality. (Author/MV)

Study compares the use of vocabulary instruction in a traditional basal reader format with that of two other lesson frameworks--Reconciled Reading Lesson and List-Group-Label--as a means for improving comprehension of basal stories. (MM)

Presents the book lists created by NCTE's Teachers' Choices project, which aimed to identify trade books that offer high potential for literary discovery and exploration within the regular reading program. Divides the books into three lists: primary, intermediate, and advanced. (SRT)

Investigates the manner in which five basal reading series portray older characters between 1975-1983. Examines the problem of negative and prejudicial portrayals of the elderly. Concludes with evidence to suggest that stereotyping of the elderly is reduced in current readers. (DR)

The article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the language experience approach and the basal reader approach to reading instruction for hearing impaired students. Suggestions are offered to parents regarding evaluating the effectiveness of their child's reading program. (CL)

A study was conducted to assess the differences in beginning second-grade students' recalls after reading a story with a well-formed structure and after reading a story with little structure. Results indicated the importance of providing children with reading selections that conform to their expectations for well-structured stories. (HOD)

This study examined the test-retest reliability and criterion validity of basal mastery tests of three commercial reading series. Results indicated that reliability and validity of the test varied among and within instruments. Implications for developing and using basal mastery tests are discussed. (Author/MT)

Differences in interactions between two sets of fourth-grade teachers and their average reading groups immediately following the reading of a basal story were explored in this study. Results and hypotheses for further research are offered. (Author/DF)

Proposes a model of rationalization, reification, and alienation to explain teachers' reliance on commercial materials during their reading instruction. (AEA)

Updates research findings concerning the way older adults are portrayed in several basal reading series. (FL)

Students are often provided with background information before reading an assigned selection. This background information functions differently in the following reading variations: individualized reading; basal reading; big book approaches; programmed reading, the language experience approach; and predictable books. Students often pick subjects…