Presents a point-counterpoint discussion focusing on four issues involved in the positive and negative values of using textbooks: (1) encyclopedic or comprehensive; (2) third-hand sources or efficient compilations; (3) expensive or cost effective; and (4) authors, known and unknown. Suggests that textbook adoption decisions should be based on the…

Provides guidelines a board of education should follow before a censorship controversy arises. Also includes a brief list of organizations that can assist in the preparation of guidelines for the selection of textbooks and other curricular materials, and, in handling complaints. (Author/IRT)

Suggests sources which can guide schools in evaluating textbooks. (MKM)

This manual on the procedures for Texas textbook coordinators is divided into eight sections. Section 1 details general information on textbook responsibilities of individuals and groups, transfers of texts from school to school, textbook funds, waivers for textbook selection, and important facts to remember--rules, deadlines, and changes. Section…

This handbook has been developed to assist school districts in the adoption of textbooks. The criteria for establishing a textbook selection process are included, as well as selection criteria for specific subject areas. Procedural steps are initially outlined for preliminary activities, book examination procedure, and implementation, and then a…

Integrates strategies and suggestions from professional books and articles to provide educators with an overview of components of the textbook selection process. Organizes the smorgasbord into three sections: the salad bar (initial screening), the main course (examination of textbooks), and the dessert bar (plans for implementation of the textbook…

Three main factors in textbook selection for distance education--readability, appropriateness, and availability--are examined in detail, and suggestions for adapting standardized texts to the needs of individual groups are provided. Twelve specific criteria are listed for determining the appropriateness of a text and textual factors influencing…

This booklet addresses the question of what is wrong with textbooks and then shows how textbooks can be improved through the selection process. A conceptual scheme is proposed as the basis of the selection process. Specific attributes and features to look for when selecting textbooks, based on this conceptual scheme, are discussed. Five categories…

In 1985, People for the American Way released its first review of biology textbooks that was inspired by the ongoing controversy over whether or not (and how) evolution should be taught in public school classrooms. The purpose of this review is to gauge how successful the response of educators and scientists have been at convincing publishers that…

A checklist of criteria for evaluating textbooks in occupational education is presented, providing a rapid and effective way for instructors to assess occupational textbooks. The checklist encourages occupational education instructors and administrators to look at the qualities of textbooks that go beyond the subject content and readability levels…

To help defuse censorship efforts, this booklet identifies issues and strategies for handling censorship efforts and provides the instructional materials selection policies of two Montana school districts. The booklet also includes sample forms for a citizen requesting reconsideration of materials and for a school media committee's reconsideration…

The Texas Education Agency has developed this guide to assist members of local textbook committees who are responsible for studying and selecting textbooks and learning systems for use in Texas school districts. The State Board of Education has approved all the listed textbooks, but it does not recommend specific books. Rather, general criteria…

Describes components of new elementary and secondary school textbook packages and reviews criteria for evaluating textbooks. Topics discussed include the development of teaching aids; curricular considerations; evaluating content-area textbooks; the whole language approach to instruction; and the role of librarians and media specialists in subject…

This collection of materials is designed to assist Indiana educators, administrators, and communities with the textbook selection process. Criteria for making such selections is outlined in the following articles: (1) "Laws, Rules, and Guidelines for Teaching Social Studies in Indiana" (Victor A. Smith); (2) "Indiana's Recommended…

This geography textbook assessment is a tool and a guide for teachers and curriculum administrators who are responsible for adopting classroom geography materials. The assessment's goal is to help teachers identify the geography textbooks that are most compatible with the content goals of the geography education reform movement as stated in "The…