Revisiting the Readability of K–8 Science Textbooks: Publishers' Failures and Implications for Classroom Teachers

This study revisited readability for the top two science textbook series purchased and on the Texas state science textbook adoption list, a prime source for curriculum decisions throughout the United States. In spite of prior research suggesting publishers make changes, the authors found that texts...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inThe Delta Kappa Gamma bulletin Vol. 89; no. 5; pp. 26 - 34
Main Authors Szabo, Susan, Sinclair, Becky Barton, Long, Christopher, Naizer, Gilbert
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Austin Delta Kappa Gamma Society International 01.01.2023
Subjects
Classrooms
Core curriculum
Critical thinking
Grade 4
Learning
Publishing industry
Readability
Readability Formulas
Reading
Reading Materials
Science education
Science teachers
Students
Teachers
Textbooks
United States > US
Texas
Online AccessGet full text

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Abstract This study revisited readability for the top two science textbook series purchased and on the Texas state science textbook adoption list, a prime source for curriculum decisions throughout the United States. In spite of prior research suggesting publishers make changes, the authors found that texts at all grade levels except for Grade 8 are still written two to three levels above appropriate reading level. They discuss repercussions for students, textbook publishers, and classroom teachers.
AbstractList This study revisited readability for the top two science textbook series purchased and on the Texas state science textbook adoption list, a prime source for curriculum decisions throughout the United States. In spite of prior research suggesting publishers make changes, the authors found that texts at all grade levels except for Grade 8 are still written two to three levels above appropriate reading level. They discuss repercussions for students, textbook publishers, and classroom teachers.
Author Long, Christopher
Naizer, Gilbert
Sinclair, Becky Barton
Szabo, Susan
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SubjectTerms Classrooms
Core curriculum
Critical thinking
Grade 4
Learning
Publishing industry
Readability
Readability Formulas
Reading
Reading Materials
Science education
Science teachers
Students
Teachers
Textbooks
Title Revisiting the Readability of K–8 Science Textbooks: Publishers' Failures and Implications for Classroom Teachers
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