Factors to consider when adopting textbooks
TEACHERS EDTION
Sample from Merrill Chemistry (pdf of teacher's wrap-around version)
CONTENT
Content is up to date
Content is scientifically accurate
Content matches your district or school framework
Historical background
Science, Technology & Society
Unit Objective clearly stated
Relevant
READABILITY
Readability index
Glossary
New terms defined
Root words explained
INSTRUCTIONAL APPROACH
Inductive, inquiry oriented?
Material presented at a variety of cognitive levels
Questions at a variety of cognitive levels
Suggested Activities for further study
ORGANIZATION
Advanced Organizers
Logical curricular sequence
Material well organized
Easy to outline
Well indexed and cross-referenced
ILLUSTRATIONS
Good quality photographs
Photographs not “dated”
Illustrations allied with text
Clear, unambiguous line diagrams
Graphs
Tables
ANCILLARY MATERIAL
Laboratory book
Labs are appropriate for students and facilities
Labs stress investigation rather than cookbook
Lab activities correlate with text
Supply lists
Teacher edition for laboratory manual
Test Bank
Computer software and data file
Test questions at a variety of cognitive levels
Overheads
Software
Workbook
Copyright privileges?
Teacher Guide
Useful teacher annotations
Solutions to problems explained