Reviews issues and events related to adopting high school biology textbooks in Texas. Specific reference is given to the viewpoints of Mel and Norma Gabler. It is argued that factors controlling textbook content should not result from past market forces, but from a permanent science constituency and an informed public. (DH)

Discussed is the importance or unimportance of including visuals and illustrations in science textbooks. Characteristics of visuals, misconceptions, individual student differences, publishers views, and recommendations to science teachers when choosing science texts are included. (KR)

Reports results of a survey on textbook adoption procedures, examining if and how often a procedure is used, whether select local districts from a list, and whether the list covers grade K-12. Also reports results of state science supervisors' (N=26) attitudes about textbook adoption procedures. (JM)

Defines scientific theory. States that life science textbooks often misrepresent theory in their presentations. Presents an analysis of "Prentice Hall Life Science," a textbook adopted by several states including California, and two other popular texts. Criticizes these texts for equating myths, beliefs, legends, and theories, and their…