Describes the criteria used for textbook selection or rejection, how the criteria differ depending on the level of students, and how the criteria differ according to the instructor's training. Discusses results and implications for students, instructors, and publishers. (CW)

Uses a small-scale attitude survey to assess children's attitudes to the way reading is taught in England, and examines possible alternatives to existing practice. (RS)

A broad international perspective is taken in this examination of the objectives of national repository planning; general principles on which a plan should be based; selection for national retention; criteria by which alternative national systems should be judged; and the main alternative models assessed against these criteria. (5 references) (CLB)

Reports the results of a national survey on teaching introductory physics at the college level. Lists the names of the most frequently used textbooks, reasons for changing textbooks used earlier, information regarding laboratory manuals, and instructor's comments on this type of course. (YP)

A study of randomly selected Nebraska schools found that small rural elementary schools tended to employ teachers with fewer years of experience than did larger rural or semirural schools. Of 29 rural schools with one or two teachers, there were 14 schools (48%) where average teacher experience was 0-3 years. (JHZ)

The Super Saturday Program for gifted children (ages 2-18) at Purdue University includes noncredit courses in all academic curricular areas plus a preschool program, college credit courses for secondary students, and a parenting course. Teacher selection and training are discussed and statistics are presented evaluating student progress following…

Outlines the three desired purposes of bibliotherapy, and discusses possible misuses of the problem novel as therapy for troubled children and adolescents. It is suggested that libraries should utilize bibliotherapy in the broadest sense, not focusing on the problem novel, and guidelines for librarians are provided. (3 references) (CLB)

Describes how a list of the great books of biology was developed. Discusses the insufficiency of textbooks and traditional classroom instruction. Advocates the uses of outside reading and libraries. Focuses on books designed to be read, not studied for information and enjoyment. (CW)

When selecting instructional materials and curricula for developing critical television viewing skills with gifted students, teachers should consider: the track record of the materials; media experience of the students; and other visual stimuli in the classroom. The teacher's and parents' roles identified in the materials should also be…

Suggests that those who evaluate textbooks for adoption in schools use a framework such as the one included, which examines writing style, tone, analogies and illustrations, sentence and paragraph coherence, headings and subheadings, and location of charts, graphs, and figures. (JC)

In the first of two articles, William Potter discusses the drawbacks and opportunities presented by advances in technology, including budgeting for online access, dealing with publishers and producers, and relating to computing centers. In the second, Paul Metz discusses collection development in academic libraries with emphasis on new electronic…

Suggests that by using this chart, teachers can augment their reading program, and notes that the many publishers listed offer a wide range of materials according to difficulty level. (JC)

Argues that tests should be used to improve instructional programs. Specific suggestions include the study of reports on test performance, item analysis on classroom tests, item analysis as a part of standardized test reports, use of diagnostic or inventory tests, and careful selection of test items. (PK)

Describes the role played by high school Advanced Placement (AP) programs in determining decisions regarding college admissions. A student's prospects for admissions are considerably enhanced by enrollment in A.P. courses. Specific scores, the caliber of the secondary school and of the A.P. courses, and the student's curriculum are also…

Concerns expressed regarding the use of work sample systems for assessing handicapped students include: limitations of trait assessment; criteria and standards; application of work sample results; need to measure learning outcomes; and limited focus. Recommendations include use of competency analysis, selection criteria, and commercial and locally…