Reports on a study of the treatment of the Second Amendment in 24 secondary-level U.S. history textbooks and 8 U.S. government textbooks. Discusses inadequate and inaccurate interpretations and calls for a portrayal of the Second Amendment that reflects what the founding fathers wanted and what the courts have decided. (CFR)

This paper discusses challenges initiated by first and second generation Latino and Chinese American fourth graders in an urban elementary school, toward the perspective of California history in the mandated Social Studies curriculum. The required text highlighted significant moments in California and United States history with limited, if any,…

Discussion of the authenticity of materials contained in English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) textbooks for elementary/secondary school use focuses on content designed to accelerate academic language development and highlights the experiences of one teacher with one textbook. The approach taken is that integrating language and content, while taking…

A study of reading textbooks for English as a second language published in Japan evaluated 150 traditional reading textbooks and 32 new reading textbooks published for use in 1985. Traditional reading textbooks are those with main texts and notes and sometimes a few comprehension questions. New reading textbooks have main texts, comprehension…

To examine how classroom conditions such as students' mean aptitude, materials used, and instructional time influence the amount of reading material covered, 12 first grade classrooms were each observed for 12 days over a 36-week period. Students' reading readiness and word recognition skills were tested prior to observation while group mean…

Training of four Puerto Ricans and four non-Puerto Ricans to assess the portrayal of Puerto Ricans in a sample of ethnic literature using a holistic approach is described. Basic assumptions involved in a holistic reading or scoring are as follows: (1) readers judge each textual unit as a whole and also within the context of the range of categories…

The need to adapt or modify the use of given textbooks and other language teaching materials to fit the requirements of particular learning situations, and even particular students, is widely recognized. This volume presents a systematic approach to adaptation useful for methods courses as well as for the experienced teacher or curriculum planner.…

Following a discussion of the differences between oral and written speech, this paper examines the act of reading written speech and the role that contextual information plays in reading comprehension. It notes the interaction that occurs between reader and text, points out the way in which written language makes demands upon readers'…

This guide was prepared to assist teachers in selecting appropriate learning resources and evaluation methods for their French classes. It is divided into five parts: (1) an evaluation of commerical FLES programs and recommendations on appropriate grade levels for them; (2) a list of supplementary books and audio-visual material, with a…

The purpose of this bulletin is to give the American with no prior experience in teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) some idea of the range of EFL textbooks, and what they are like. It points out that most EFL texts published in America in the last 15 years are based on the audio-lingual method and that they are developed with one of the…

On October 14, 1974, the Kanawha County Association of Classroom Teachers requested that the Teacher Rights Division of the National Education Association (NEA) conduct an investigation into the textbook controversy. This report contains information on the background, evolution, educational consequences, and dynamics of the conflict, and the…

The variety of influences on the teaching of literature at the elementary school level is illustrated by this description of current practices and review of research and development in the area. The following types of materials are reviewed to point out recommended practices: curriculum guides, objectives of library programs, textbooks for…

This material developed as a resource in Los Angeles, California, is designed to assist teachers in the planning of social studies programs for grades one, two, and three. The ideas and suggestions are related directly to the two State textbooks which were adopted in 1971--"The Social Sciences: Concepts and Values," and "Voices of Life." The…

Schools today are working harder than ever to help ensure that "all" children "can" learn and achieve high standards. Marti Richardson, a recognized leader in professional and curriculum development, delivers an innovative, classroom-tested program with planning tools to customize it for any school or district's data-based needs. Designed around a…

This book represents a collaborative effort among education scholars that addresses the theory, practice, and policy gaps that have plagued classrooms for a long time. Divided into three parts, it focuses on practical strategies for teaching and learning in different subject areas and at all levels; provides research-based models for improving…