TEXTBOOK REVIEW COMMITTEE TASKS

The TEXTBOOK REVIEW COMMITTEE is an Ad Hoc Committee called to review textbooks utilized in College Prep/Basic Skills courses in light of the initiation of the ABE 6 Level Course numberings.  These new course numberings do not simply supplant the former course numbers in a parallel manner, they reflect major grade level adaptations, particularly in grades 0 through 3.9, grades 6 through 8.9, and grades 9 through 12.9 as established by the NRS.  In order that we do not inadvertently set up our students for failure, it is imperative that we reevaluate our current approved textbook listing, realigning them with the new grade levels. 

How could be we setting up our students for failure?  Without careful, conscientious review, we could recommend that the student use the “same old text” we have been teaching from for the past few years, unaware that s/he is not the same grade level student we have met in the past.  If we allow students to work in a text that is 2 grades higher than their placement level, we will have not only jeopardized their ability to pass, but also failed to give them the background information that would be the foundation for their future; thus, the formation of the Textbook Review Committee.

Committee members should be comprised of representatives from all three content areas, (Mathematics, Reading, Communications)  all styles of instructional delivery, (self-contained classes, BEADS, CBOs, Labs, etc.), as well as from all four campuses.

Although the deadline for this committee’s recommendations is the end of September 2008, it is envisioned that the bulk of this committee’s work will take place during the Spring 2007-2008 semester; it is not expected that the committee be required to meet during the summer.  One or two final meetings could be held at the beginning of Fall 2008-09.  This Ad Hoc Textbook Review Committee will report to the Pre-College Curriculum Committee.

TEXTBOOK REVIEW COMMITTEE MAJOR TASKS DESCRIPTION:

1) Review text books currently used for grade level correlation with the NRS standards and new ABE 6 Level Course grade levels;

2) Recommend course level at which currently used textbooks should now be assigned
OR
Eliminate the text from the recommended list if the text does not adequately address the competencies in the new Course Outcome Summaries;

3) Research newer textbooks that align with new 6 level course numbers;

4) Recommend new textbooks which are appropriate for our students’  needs and develop the competencies of the correlative Course Outcome Summary;

5) Complete the task prior to September 29, 2008 in order that:

            +new text books can be added to the approved text book ordering list;

            +current text books can be assigned to the proper new course number;

            +current textbooks that do not match the new competencies can be deleted from the list of approved texts.