This research report documents teachers' views on why and to what extent they use textbooks. How the environment influences the use of textbooks can be determined when their use in schools is studied. The following three major research questions were addressed: (1) how do teachers use textbooks, guides, and supplementary materials available through publishers? (2) why do teachers rely on textbooks to the extent they do for planning and for instruction? and (3) what are the apparent influences of the textbook and its use on the curriculum? The research took place in one school for part of a year, with 10 teachers participating. Research procedures included observing and taking notes in the 10 classrooms for 6-10 days each, discussing practices with teachers and the principal, collecting photocopies of pages from text-related materials the teachers were using when observed, and discussing work assignments with students. Findings showed that 9 out of 10 teachers used texts, textbook guides, and accompanying materials extensively and with few changes and viewed the curriculum as a series of pages to cover. Students viewed the work as a series of things to complete. Peer pressure and ease of use caused teachers to rely heavily on the use of textbooks. (Author/NE)