The readability of consumer math books

Seventeen consumer mathematics textbooks were evaluated in this study using the Harris-Jacobson Wide Range Readability Formula and the Worksheet for Analvsis of Instructional Materials Beyond Readability Scales (Schindler, 1980). Actual readability levels were compared to the publishers' estimated readability levels and found to vary greatly in many instances. Samples from within each textbook also vary greatly. Reinforcement of new vocabulary words was checked and found to be lacking in many samples. The progression of difficulty within each textbook was considered. With one exception, there was none. The findings suggest that entire textbooks, not just samples, need to be considered when choosing a textbook. It was observed that great variance occurs in textbooks from the same publisher. Implications for researchers, teachers, and the developers of textbooks was discussed.