Evaluating Language Arts Textbooks

Early Childhood Language Arts Methods and Assessment

1. Task One: Determine the criteria for selecting a published Language Arts series by studying the following:
   1. Study the concepts presented in chapter 11 of the Jalongo text. See especially pages 281-282.
   2. Study the guidelines proposed by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) for selecting Elementary Language Arts Textbooks. (http://www.ncte.org/positions/judging_and_selecting.shtml)
   3. See also, the NCTE Guidelines for selecting materials for Language Arts programs. (http://www.ncte.org/positions/materials.shtml)
   4. Make a list of the criteria you wish to include.
2. Product One: Develop an evaluation instrument based on the criteria you selected. Be sure to include some type of rating scale and an area for comments.
3. Task Two: Use the instrument to evaluate two Language Arts series.
   1. Select a partner. Determine the grade level materials you wish to evaluate.
   2. Go with your partner to the Curriculum Library and select two series at your chosen grade level from two different publishers.
   3. Individually, evaluate one series, then trade and evaluate the other series using the form developed in Task One.
4. Product Two: Complete the evaluation form developed in Task One by applying the criteria to two published series. Each person will complete two forms.
5. Task Three: Meet with your partner and share the results of your evaluation. Where did you agree? Where did you disagree? Can you come to consensus?
6. Product Three: In a couple of paragraphs, summarize your findings. Make a recommendation to adopt or not adopt one or both of series you studied. Be sure to include justification in your recommendation.