Urges freshmen placement examinations for efficient matching of student abilities with course requirements. (IR)

Three problems discussed by panel of superintendents--(1) Teacher involves students in bond issue; (2) Parents say teacher uses "obscene books; (3) Bus drivers want to ban troublemakers. (NI)

Readability formulas typically yield results stated as a number or grade equivalent. However, results of one formula may not be compared to another because formulas use different criteria to measure readability. A description of eight popular formulas illustrate this point. Suggests that other factors be considered when selecting reading…

Presents criteria parents and teachers can use to select song books for young children. Several such books are cited and briefly discussed, including some thematic collections of folk and Christmas songs. (SJL)

Offers advice to sufferers of "textbookitis:" (1) writing textbooks are not necessary for high school classes; (2) the best language textbook is a dictionary--money not spent on a writing textbook could be spent on sets of dictionaries; and (3) literature anthologies can be useful additions to the writing classroom. (RL)

Discusses factors that psychology professors should consider when selecting a textbook for introductory courses. These include readability, human interest level, comprehensiveness, and authoritative accuracy of the material. (RM)

Contains six responses to two questions concerning high school book censorship and the application of dominant community values to the selection of instructional materials in public education. (AM)

Presents a case study of a controversy resulting from the state textbook review process used in New Mexico. As a result of citizen projects, educators were forced to improve evaluation procedures and to reexamine their attitudes toward public involvement in education. Suggestions for effective handling of textbook protests are included. (AM)

Many corporations and vested interest groups prepare free or inexpensive educational materials for the schools. The authors present guidelines teachers can use to screen such material for objectivity, accuracy, appropriateness, and feasibility. (SJL)

Discusses technical writing textbooks and assignments that can be used in advanced courses in technical writing. (RL)

Briefly summarizes some recent advances in instructional science and indicates how this knowledge can be used to improve the instructional quality of textbooks and other instructional materials. Procedures for developing a textbook and for evaluating a textbook are provided. (Author/MER)

The multitext approach to the teaching of English allows for more teacher control over course content, greater variety in subject matter, easier provision for individual differences, and less financial expenditure. (DD)

Describes teaching techniques for using the multitext approach to English to motivate high school students. (DD)

Four considerations for selecting a shorthand system are discussed: a system's viability in occupational situations; the ease with which it can be taught, learned, and transcribed; the appropriateness of instructional materials; and the ease with which those expert in another system can learn the new one. (AJ)

A plea for ethnic pluralism in the teaching of literature. (DD)