This document represents Volume I of a two volume study to determine the extent to which four elementary level social studies programs reflect the multi-racial, multi-cultural nature of American society. The document is presented in three parts. Part I covers the Michigan Social Studies Textbook Act, an historical overview of previous Michigan textbook studies, the professional responsibility of textbook evaluation and selection, and the design of the 1978 Social Studies Textbook Study. Fifteen reviewers evaluated textbooks and accompanying instructional materials according to the degree to which they accurately reflect our multi-cultural society, portray people from other areas of the world, are concerned with the handicapped and women, are adequate for bilingual and gifted students, are at appropriate reading levels, and accurately reflect current scholarship in social studies education. Textbooks and/or programs evaluated were "Concepts and Inquiry" (Allyn and Bacon, 1978), "The Social Sciences: Concepts and Values" (Harcourt, Brace, Jovanovich, 1970), the "Holt Databank System" (Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, 1972), and "Windows on Our World" (Houghton Mifflin Company, 1976). Part II includes a summary of findings and recommendations, editorial commentary, and suggestions for consideration. The findings are organized according to reviewer and the four textbooks are evaluated according to each of the specified categories. General findings demonstrate that none of the programs is adequate in all categories; significant deficiences exist in terms of sex bias, handicapped, and American Indians; and much work is required before textbooks will accurately reflect our pluralistic society. Part III includes criteria checklists, and a list of reviewers, editors and the textbook review steering committee. (KC)