The author examines reasons why, historically and currently, a great deal of controversy in Italian education focuses on the provision of textbooks. He discusses such issues as single national textbooks, participation in selection, effects on teaching methods, provision of class libraries, and the requirement that parents pay for textbooks. (SJL)

A review of the literature on the relationship between reading ability and mathematical ability shows the process of reading mathematics to be very different from the process of reading English prose. (AEA)

Right-wing conservatives and religious groups have mobilized grass roots support for a campaign to eradicate sex education from schools. To meet the challenge posed by these groups, the nature of this opposition and what they are saying, must be understood. (FG)

Concludes that there is a need for a broader-based compensatory reading program at the college freshman and sophomore levels. (FL)

Analyzes the content of 22 interpersonal textbooks regarding the use of gender identity in the area of interpersonal communication. Indicates the texts favor androgyny, with masculinity mediated by femininity in terms of power, problem solving, and self-esteem, and femininity mediated by masculinity in terms of emotions and relationships. (JMF)

Compares the production and selection of textbooks in the United Kingdom and North America with respect to such areas as derivation of textbook ideas, evaluation of the ideas, production, distribution, how and by whom the books are bought, and limitations on certain textbook topics. (GT)

Illustrates teaching strategies that will counteract the sex-role stereotyping typically present in elementary German language texts. Practical measures that teachers can take to increase student awareness of sex stereotyping in the areas of grammar, lexical items, dialogues, and readings are discussed. (EJS)

Describes a case study of educational change in a society (Russia) undergoing a radical ideological transformation. The approval, manufacture, and adoption of textbooks suitable for democratic education are seriously impeded by ideological opposition, economic and organizational shortcomings in the central offices and publishing industry,…

Evaluates the role of commercially available foreign language teaching materials, citing the reasons for using these materials as time pressure on teachers, the uncertain language competence of teachers; the materials' visual appeal to students; and the need of a yardstick of progress. The article argues that, failing a revolution in teaching, the…

Describes the assessment of the revised objectives of an English reading course offered at Kuwait University to foster reading comprehension for academic purposes. Analysis of data obtained from pre- and posttests showed improvement in reading skills although there were differences between students who were Arts and Science majors. (19 references)…

Tests the understanding of French pronominal-verbal constructions on native and English speakers of French and assesses their sensitivity to the possible multiple readings such as: reflexive, reciprocal, intrinsic, and passive. The article attributes the superior performance of English speakers to the corresponding morphosyntactic and lexical…

Explains the philosophy that forms the basis of a high school physical science course based on astronomy and the activity-based textbook that accompanies it. Cites specific examples of misconceptions related to astronomy and recommends various diagnostic and concept change strategies. (DDR)

The revision has improved the "National Standards for History in the Schools," but they are still not worthy of endorsement. Every unit is infused with race, class, and gender, with conflict defined as the major theme of American history. These standards will not enhance the study of history. (SLD)

The Canadian Supreme Court demanded concrete evidence of unlawful conduct that actually fostered discrimination before certain teachers were adjudged to be unsuitable to teach in public schools. A year later, the court held that a schools board's decision not to approve certain curricular materials depicting same-sex parents was unlawful although…

An Australian researcher exploring the underlying assumptions held by non-Aboriginal educators involved in Aboriginal education reexamined his first childhood history book, "Australia from the Beginning" (Pownall, 1980). Although a liberal and sympathetic treatment, the book reflected non-Aboriginal assumptions about assimilation as…