How to choose your child's textbooks

With increased ELL, math and science most school districts are trying to choose the best books for your child. Parents, you can be a part of the process.

Like most school districts Dysart chooses new textbooks every three to five years.And choosing books takes a team. Dysart Curriculum Director Anthony Napodano says," Parents are a critical part of the curriculum process."

It's a detailed process. This is how Dysart and other districts make sure they choose the right books:

First, a curriculum adoption team is chosen.
The superintendent, principals, other staff, teachers, parents and sometimes students are part of it.
They choose the books and give recommendations to the school board.
Then anyone else in the community has about two months to review the choices.
The school board holds a public hearing and votes on which books to choose.

Dysart Curriculum Director Anthony Napodano says, “There's plenty of opportunity to have their voice and no textbook is going to meet the needs of all children."

Parents if you want to be a part of the textbook selection team contact your child's principal. Here are more interesting facts:

Textbooks are expensive and could cost as much as $20 per student but some districts may keep them for up to seven years.

Web-based material may be less expensive. More school districts like Dysart are researching that but until they are sure every child will have equal access at home that won't happen any time soon.