Last week, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger launched the second phase of his first-in-the-nation free digital textbook initiative.
The initiative reviews existing free digital textbooks against California’s rigorous academic standards to identify which free textbooks are standards-aligned and may be used in California’s classrooms. The second phase calls on content developers to submit high school history-social science and higher-level math course textbooks for review against California’s academic content standards.
“Resources like digital textbooks play a critical role in our 21st century educational landscape, and expanding my first-in-the-nation initiative will provide local school districts additional high-quality free resources to help prepare California’s students to compete in the global marketplace,” Schwarzenegger said. “I urge content developers to jump on board this second phase and submit social science and advanced math material to help ensure California’s shift to a more advanced and cost-effective education system continues.”
Free digital textbooks are downloadable and may be projected on a screen, viewed on a computer, printed chapter by chapter, or bound for use in the classroom. Schools can take advantage of these free, standards-aligned resources using existing hardware – as using them does not require having computers or laptops for every student.
The first phase of Schwarzenegger’s digital textbook initiative focused on high school geometry, algebra II, trigonometry, calculus, physics, chemistry, biology/life science and earth science digital textbooks. The second phase of the initiative invites content developers to submit textbooks for review against California’s academic content standards in the areas of linear algebra; probability and statistics; world history, culture and geography; U.S. history and geography; American democracy; and economics. Review of submitted digital textbooks will be coordinated by the California Learning Resources Network (CLRN) and conducted by expert teachers and content specialists.
Approved digital textbooks, along with a report outlining how each submitted textbook measures up against California’s standards, will be released publically once CLRN completes its review process. Unlike Phase I, which had a submission deadline, Phase II will review textbooks on a rolling basis so that completed digital books do not have to wait until a submission window opens to get state approval.
“California is a world leader in developing cutting-edge technology and now our schools can access those advancements to help provide our students with a cutting-edge education,” added Secretary of Education Glen Thomas. “Digital textbooks are free, versatile and save kids’ backs.”
Schwarzenegger launched the first phase of this groundbreaking initiative in May 2009, to help ensure California’s students have access to high-quality, cost-effective instructional materials. In August of 2009, the governor released CLRN’s review report of 16 digital math and science textbooks; of those reviewed, 10 met at least 90 percent of state standards, and four met 100 percent of state standards. Last fall, the governor signed a package of bills to help increase the quantity, availability and practicality of using digital textbooks in the classroom.
Content developers can create publisher accounts, view standards correlation documents and submit materials for review on the CLRN Web site.
