Discusses the influence of textbooks on student attitudes and the right of parents to participate in textbook selection. Controversy over parental participation in one school system is described. (Author/DB)

Examines the recent call for English departments to recognize literature that falls outside the British and American tradition. Suggests that we recognize English as a world language and choose books to teach accordingly. (JC)

Notes that primary and intermediate grade teachers rely heavily on basal readers for instruction and offers the advantages of and guidelines for using a skill trace approach to tracking selected skills across the program, as an evaluation strategy.NH)

Discusses new ideas about teacher education, specifically, the need to develop a literate community of teachers who are familiar with the most current educational philosophy and theories. (SRT)

Argues that a critical area in the advancement of literacy is the production of textbooks that reflect recent insights on language and discourse. Examines procedures by which textbooks are reviewed and produced and suggests guidelines for the establishment of rational criteria for textbook production. (FL)

Presents information on textbook design and marketing practices, and their consequences for textbook content; recommends that selection committees firmly define the role of the textbook in curriculum, and adapt published materials to their school system's unique requirements. (MCG)

Textbooks should be selected to meet the needs of students and teachers. Making "a deal" can, in the long run, lead to textbooks that are more expensive and of poorer quality. Five ways to improve textbook selection are suggested. Some publishers' comments are included. (MLF)

Describes a method of monitoring the district curriculum during an extended maintenance period. The program audit for each subject area addresses the degree of fidelity to curriculum objectives, determines whether teachers are emphasizing the curriculum objectives, and identifies factors constraining curriculum implementation. (MJL)

This paper summarizes the findings of a study examining the impact of standards-based and curriculum reforms on the role of curriculum materials in educational systems in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Australia. Concepts derived from a model of decision-oriented evaluation were applied to define a typology to classify…

Currently, there is a controversy in Japan about textbook treatments of Japanese military actions during World War II. This digest examines: (1) the importance of history textbooks in schools in Japan and the United States; (2) the context of history textbook controversies in Japan; (3) the current issues and contending positions in the Japanese…

Argues that black literature must achieve three essential criteria if it is to be of value to black children: black literature must completely nullify the deceptive influences that prevent black children from finding self-esteem; black literature must convey realism; and, black literature must be authentic. (Author/JM)