Who controls the selection of textbooks in this country?

[Wapsie B]

I was rereading Maddy's thread about the abysmal state of affairs with education. It amazes me that people can actually be admitted to and graduate college without basic writing ability and critical thinking skills. These people are a product of our school systems. Who is in control of the selection of textbooks in the elementary and high schools in this country? I know that's only one factor. But it's a critical one. I'd love to have Howard Zinn read in every school in this country. I'd love to have schools that make people think and challenge them. I've got a few other opinions on education but I'll start with this.

[XemaSab]

1. I think state boards approve textbooks

But you're right, they suck.

[Wapsie B]

2. Yeah I thought every state had a board of education

or something to oversee that. But I thought there was one large state, maybe Texas where a group of rwingers were controlling the selection of books for schools.

[crispini]

3. Well, in some respects you are correct,

that very large states which buy a lot of textbooks (like Texas) do tend to influence what gets published. And Texas school boards do tend to be more conservative.

Now, in my state, there are two kinds of school boards, the state school boards and the school boards for the district. And the textbook selection process focuses more around the school district.

This, by the way, is a WONDERFUL elected office to run for if you are interested in getting involved in local politics and you know something about education (or want to learn.)

[Wapsie B]

5. I know Iowa has boards for each district

and I believe there's one board for the state. I'm not really wanting to hold elective office. Maybe more like challenging conservatives from the outside by shining the light of day on their actions.

[crispini]

6. Find someone who wants to run.

Or find a good candidate to support, that's always good! Especially if you are knowledgeable and interested in education. I don't have kids so I find it hard to get excited about school board elections, although I know I should.

[Wapsie B]

7. That's a good idea!

The town I'm in is just big enough that to even be considered a candidate you've got to be part of the movers and shakers around town, such as they won't have a garbage hauler run, but the person who owns the sanitation company fits right in. But there are community activists too that put a thorn in their sides.

[Initech]

4. I would like to know as well.

I have the absolute worst history textbook I've ever read right now.

Seriously in 30 pages, 10 were pictures of old statues, 4 were an excerpt from "The Odyssey", and 6 pages were questions dealing with what the 10 pages of actual text were about. :puke: