Textbook purchases can be a big commitment, so they need to be handled with care. Even so, there is no such thing as the perfect textbook. Each has its strengths and weaknesses to be accounted for. Fortunately, organizations like the AAAS’s Project 2061 have published careful reviews of science and mathematics textbooks. These can help your district choose from the options and assemble whatever supplementary materials might be necessary.

Throughout the process, be sure to involve teachers using sound community engagement techniques. Teachers are the final mediators between the text and the students, so they need to be comfortable with what they will be called on to present.

• How good are the available SMT textbooks?
• How do you choose the best textbooks?
• What is being done to improve SMT textbooks?
• How can I get my board talking about this?

How good are the available SMT textbooks?

• Jo Ellen Roseman discusses what Project 2061 has done to evaluate SMT textbooks. [VIDEO] 
• A list of articles about textbooks and curriculum materials compiled by Project 2061. 

How do you choose the best textbooks?

• Jo Ellen Roseman describes some of the resources available through Project 2061’s Web site. [VIDEO] 
• Detailed evaluations of textbooks by AAAS’s Project 2061 

What is being done to improve SMT textbooks?

• The home page of the Center for Curriculum Materials in Science, a collaboration funded by the National Science Foundation that brings together AAAS’s Project 2061, Michigan State University, Northwestern University, and the University of Michigan, focuses on the analysis, design, and use of science curriculum materials and the development of new leaders in science education. 
• Information about a Project 2061 study that investigates teacher practice, student learning, and curriculum materials in mathematics. 
• An 2008 article in the Washington Post describes how the Virginia school system is addressing inadequate physics textbooks through developing and digitizing textbook supplements.  The Post article is here, and a press release about the program from the Governor of Virginia is here.
• A 2009 article in the New York Times reports on the rise of digital curriculum materials including online textbooks and other resources, and the possible demise of the traditional textbook.

How can I get my board or community talking about this?

• PowerPoint slides with talking points to help start a conversation about SMT textbooks.  Choose "save" to access talking points.