Results of stepwise regression analyses of text characteristics on learning scores revealed that the same characteristics which predict comprehension also predict new learning. (Author/MB)

Concludes that cloze tests as measure of comprehension includes a large component of variance specific to cloze technique and ability to comprehend speeded speech involves ability to be field independent. (MM)

The mean of the librarian estimates closely approximated the formula results, seldom differing by even as much as one grade level." Sample questionnaire and statistical tables are included. (Author/SP)

Describes a project at Madison Elementary School, Madison, Florida, in which all library books appeared with a designated reading level, enabling teachers to match a student with material on his appropriate level. Notes that class members will emerge with conflicting information on a topic, leading to better critical thinking skills. (RW)

A new approach to measuring readability is proposed based on the analysis of texts as causally connected chains of actions, physical states, and mental states. Using the inference load formula reflecting the difficulty readers have in inferring causal connections, the difficulty of texts can be adjusted for readers differing in skill or knowledge.…

Reports on the development of a computer program that was used with five different readability formulas to assess levels of reading difficulty. (FL)

The Flesch reading formula is questioned as being appropriate for evaluating college economics textbooks. The Dale-Chall, Modified Dale-Chall, Fry, and Flesch formulas were used to evaluate nine introductory textbooks. There was little or no consistency in either the absolute reading levels or the rank orderings. (Author/AM)

This survey of 11 recently published biology textbooks includes an analysis of content, certain general characteristics, readability, and use of questions. Differences between these and earlier textbooks are noted. The reading difficulty of the new books is found to be less than for those covered in a previous survey. (Author/JN)

Evaluates the practicability of the Singer Eyeball Estimate of Readability (SEER) techniques with 32 college students. Reveals that only two of the students met SEER's criterion for being considered acceptable judges. Concludes that the criterion is overly stringent and proposes a revised criterion designed to make the SEER technique more…

Fourteen high school physics textbooks are evaluated. Criteria include content, distribution/organization of content, level (appropriateness of presentation for high school students), readability, appearance, presentation of physics as a growing body of knowledge, awareness of social problems, and adequacy of materials for additional work by…