Textbooks Available for Public Review, Department Seeks Input
NASHVILLE – Textbooks being considered for use in Tennessee public schools beginning with the 2010-11 school year are now on display in ten district textbook collection sites located across the state (see chart below). Tennessee is in the process of adopting new textbooks in the areas of English Grammar and Composition, English as a Second Language and Foreign Languages.
Citizens interested in reviewing the textbooks being considered should contact the director of the textbook collection site in their area.
“This is an opportunity for parents, educators, and community members to give valued feedback on the tools used in student learning,” Education Commissioner Timothy Webb said. “We encourage all stakeholders to participate in the process.”
In addition to citizen input, a state review committee of thirty public school teachers is assisting the Tennessee Textbook Commission members with their evaluation of the textbooks. Commission members can also use the professional expertise of teachers in their local school systems.
“It is very important for the public to have access to the textbooks under consideration," said Morgan Branch, Director of Textbook Services for the State Department of Education. “Our goal is to provide a wide variety of materials that enrich and support the curriculum and to address the varied interests, abilities and learning styles of students.”
Commission members will meet September 14-15 to discuss public feedback and also invite textbook publishers to respond to the reviews of their books and to answer questions from commission members. The commission will vote October 12 on the new editions to recommend to the State Board of Education for the 2009 Official List of Textbooks.
State Board of Education members make the final decision for the official list. Local school systems can then adopt textbooks from the official state textbook list for a six-year period.
Public comments should be sent to Morgan Branch, Director of Textbook Services, Tennessee Department of Education, 5th Floor, Andrew Johnson Tower, Nashville, Tennessee 37243-0379 before the September meeting. Citizens with questions about the process may also call Morgan Branch at 615-253-3160.
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OFFICIAL SAMPLE SITE |
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FIRST TENNESSEE DISTRICT PLAN B |
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NORTHWEST TENNESSEE DISTRICT PLAN C |
EAST TENNESSEE DISTRICT PLAN C |
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UPPER CUMBERLAND DISTRICT PLAN C |
MID-CUMBERLAND DISTRICT PLAN C |
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MID-CUMBERLAND DISTRICT PLAN B |
SOUTHEAST TENNESSEE DISTRICT PLAN B |
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SOUTHWEST TENNESSEE DISTRICT PLAN B |
MEMPHIS DELTA DISTRICT PLAN C |
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PLAN A: Student Text Only |
For more information, contact Rachel Woods at (615) 253-1960 or Rachel.Woods@tn.gov. ###