This report reviews four English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) textbooks, using criteria developed for volunteer-based organizations (VBOs). It illustrates the process that VBOs need to undertake prior to ESL textbook selection. The four texts include the following: "Laubach Way to English" (J. Macero and M. Lane), which focuses on linguistic rather…

The transformation from active to passive voice is analyzed by the student according to a sequence of specific "rules", analagous to the steps one might use to program a computer to perform the same transformation. (DD)

Reports research intended to determine whether the multitude of instructional materials prepared as a result of the recent interest in Afro-American history were in agreement with recent historical scholarship. (Author/JM)

"Research in Social Studies Education , James P. Shaver, Editor-- Social Education's Research Supplement, Number One, December 1969. (AP)

This investigation attempts to determine if the congruity in textbook-test content varies as a function of different styles of textbook use. Across all standardized tests, instructional validity of the five styles of textbook use was far lower for the management-by-objectives model than for any other styles. (Author/PN)

Most elementary teachers are inadequately prepared to teach about the Middle East. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that elementary texts dehumanize Middle Eastern peoples by reducing them to mere caricatures. Needed are the involvement of Middle Eastern studies experts in writing textbooks and the improvement of teacher's manuals. (RM)

Legal decisions and other arguments support the argument that the exclusion of creationism from school curricula is not the result of censorship or bias. Equal-time legislation for creationism has the potential to entangle the state and religion and to make the task of teachers, textbook authors, and publishers nearly impossible. (PP)

The president of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics argues that many mathematics textbooks feature unrealistic problems that do not teach problem solving or mathematical thinking. Realistic activities and games which will teach children to think are described, as are methods for teaching essential mathematics skills. (PP)

In a review of 71 geography, history, and social studies books, a panel of individuals knowledgeable about Central America found omissions and stereotypic views that prevent students from understanding current events in that region. (Author/GC)

Analyzes two commonly used reading programs and indicates their implications for the mainstreamed learning disabled child. (FL)

To provide a rationale for textbook evaluation, a study examined the major and minor topics covered in 20 selected college-level business communication textbooks, the readability level presented for each text, and the number of schools currently using the text. (HOD)

Presents results of an Illinois State survey of 200 high school principals (48-percent return) in which respondents indicated the extent of censorship pertaining to teaching methods and textbooks and the originators of the censorship. Indicates that many potential items for censorship have not been of concern. (DC)

Examines the impact of nationalism on six leading secondary level U.S. world geography textbooks. Specific examples of nationalistic bias are cited. Particular emphasis is given to the parallel between changes in American foreign policy and the focus of textbooks published over several decades. (AM)

Describes the educators' problems in communicating psychology's value and relevance to students in introductory courses. Course and texts must be improved in order to increase student understanding of the practical consequences of psychological principles. The author suggests changes in course and textbook content to increase student cognitive…