Argues that teachers need to dispel the misconceptions of the federal bureaucracy that are fueled by political rhetoric and the lack of information in textbooks. Addresses three misconceptions: (1) the autonomy of bureaucracies; (2) interest groups, Congress, and bureaucracies; and (3) public participation in the regulatory process. Outlines…

Argues that awareness of the relationship between language and the sociocultural context in which it occurs is important for students and teachers. The article suggests that everyday, ephemeral texts can be easily collected and categorized according to genre for teaching and cross-cultural comparison. (19 references) (Author/CK)

Reviews evidence related to the readability and comprehensibility of material in primary school science textbooks, which shows that texts are often too difficult for children, particularly in developing countries where pupils are learning through English as the medium of instruction. (69 references) (Author/CK)

Provides an overview of compulsory moral education in Japan from 1886 through 1997, tracing the introduction of specific ideals to elementary and secondary students. Argues that moral education was used to instill conformity, docility, and social cohesion in Japanese youth in order to fulfill the priorities of the political system. (CMK)

Explores the presentation of slavery in U.S. history textbooks from 1900 to 1992 with respect to changing ideologies. Identifies five ideological patterns: (1) a neutral presentation; (2) justifying its existence; (3) a necessary evil; (4) Un-American; and (5) a reflection of Conservative values. (CMK)

States that the content of history and social studies textbooks is inadequate and low quality. Focuses on the controversy over textbook content addressing the issues of an overemphasis on multiculturalism and the political use of history. Contends that it is imperative that U.S. citizens know the best and worst of their history. (CMK)

Warns against the declining standards of the Advanced Placement (AP) U.S. history examination and the AP program. Focuses on the problems that occur in maintaining high standards and the practive of teaching to the test in AP courses. Discusses who does grade and who should grade the AP examinations. (CMK)

Answers a critique of the historical accuracy of the author's previous work. Argues that all science stories provide a source of material for analysis and synthesis of the nature of the scientific enterprise. (WRM)

Reviews whether textbook publishers have put the "world" in world history textbooks by comparing the editions of four different world history textbooks over 25 years. Evaluates 10 current editions of world history textbooks. Offers questions to consider and discusses additional content concerns. Includes charts and references of the reviewed…

Examines eight undergraduate U.S. history survey textbooks in order to determine the coverage of Latino history. Examines four areas for understanding the historical experience of Latinos: (1) racial/ethnic identification; (2)immigration/migration issues; (3) labor/class matters, and (4) cultural concerns. Includes a bibliography of the reviewed…

Discusses aspects of cultural understanding, particularly intercultural understanding, and addresses the development of cultural understanding through geography. Argues that textbooks and other secondary sources should present information about places and communities as changing and contested. Examines five primary geography textbook series and…

The first-grade components of three textbook programs--mainstream basal, combined phonics and literature, and phonics emphasis--were compared on cognitive load (e.g., number of different words) and linguistic content (e.g., number of monosyllabic, simple vowel words). Three levels of three components of a program--literature anthologies, decodable…

During the New York City Draft Riots the city's own inhabitants unleashed a torrent of violence and destruction that chiefly targeted African Americans. What originated as a protest against the enforcement of the Conscription Act quickly escalated into a riot that erupted at the volatile nineteenth century crossroads of race, class, and economic…

Social studies is an information-laden subject, with much of the required information in textbooks. Although text-books are only one medium for learning social studies content, it is the dominant resource in most classrooms. Years ago, Goodlad (1984) found that textbook reading assignments were one of the most common instructional approaches used…

History teaching continues to be driven by an overriding emphasis on information coverage. This trend has resulted in a fragmented approach to teaching that privileges the acquisition of facts over in-depth study (Evans 1989; Evans, Avery, and Pederson 1999; Goodlad 1984; Newmann 1988; Onosko 1992, 1996; Onosko and Swenson 1996; Wiggins 1989).…