Although printed instructional material is the most basic tool for classroom instruction, in the school year 1966-67 a national survey showed per pupil expenditure for textbooks to be only $4.96. Lack of guidelines for expenditures on textbooks, failure to use sound budgetary practices, inadequate teacher involvement in decisions affecting texts, and lack of knowledge about the merits and usefulness of modern texts have hindered the acquisition of adequate texts. The amount budgeted for printed material should allow a selection of basic texts; additional material to provide variety, flexibility, and diversity of approach; and supplementary material for independent study and teacher use. Multiple adoption of texts would permit teachers to select texts on a more individual basis. The Joint Committee of the National Education Association and the American Textbook Publishers Institute estimate that $42 should be spent for each elementary school child and $63 for secondary school students. Due to rising costs, these dollar guidelines will probably be realistic only until 1970. (JY)