TEXTBOOKS.....
Used for Education....or Corruption?!?!?!
What's its purpose?
A textbook is a manual of instruction in any branch of study. Textbooks are made according to the demands of educational institutions. Local school board votes on which textbooks they purchase once approved by the state Department of Education. Teachers aren't required to use textbooks. Many prefer to use other materials instead.
The adoption process is surviving due to state like California, Florida, and Texas who have committees that decide which books are going to be used in the public school system. Some states give there teachers and schools leeway, but only when they are paying for books through their own money.
Book Adoption brings in $4.3 billion a year for the four big textbook publishers. Lobbyist are paid to keep state legislatures from derailing the revenue that is brought in from the schools.
1.
Textbooks that are made by "chop-shop" publishers are not actually carefully reviewed. At times they are not read at all. The use of a "checklist" criteria are constantly analyzed.
2.
Committee members are not reviewing school textbooks to see whether they indeed work as education resources. Publishers today do not have to prove that their books help students retain knowledge and raise achievement, or
even field test instructional methods to show that the materials works in the classroom setting.
3.
The review process almost certainly drives publishers and states to embrace the lowest common denominator in textbook content. Practically taking anything based upon the price for the schools. All the while, publishers are making money regardless if the textbooks are helping the students or not.
Say "NO" to BIASES
Gender Bias
Not:
They have hired more broads this year than men.
But:
They have hired more women this year than men.
Racial Bias
Not:
If he is elected, he would be the first Negro in the White House.
But:
If he is elected, he would be the first African American in the White House.
Neutral Bias
She is an excellent businesswoman.
But:
They are an excellent businessperson.
Gender Bias
Gender bias in language, or sexist language, is language that stereotypes or demeans an individual or individuals because of their gender. Language that is sexist unnecessarily distinguishes between or brings attention to differences between men and women in ability, temperament, behavior, or occupation. Such language, whether used intentionally or unintentionally, often irritates or offends readers. Thus, writers should pay attention to their style to avoid gender bias.
Racial Bias
We must realize that terms once considered to be accurate or acceptable may no longer be and may even be considered offensive. When writing about a group of people, use the term that the group currently uses to refer to themselves.