Sen. Schneider Encourages Hoosiers to Review, Comment on Proposed Health and Science Textbooks

STATEHOUSE - Sept. 2 marks the deadline for Hoosiers in Central Indiana to review and offer comments on students' health and science textbooks, according to State Sen. Scott Schneider (R-Indianapolis).

Schneider said this opportunity helps give parents and other interested persons a voice in determining instructional material for the 2011-12 school year. The State of Indiana Textbook Adoption Committee and Indiana State Board of Education will consider public evaluations before determining the appropriate health and science text books - a decision made once every six years.

"This is an opportunity for all stakeholders like parents, educators and communities to visit these regional public review sites and give feedback on student textbooks," Schneider said. "I encourage Hoosiers to participate in this important decision-making process."

Schneider said central Indiana residents are encouraged to visit the Indiana Department of Education, located at 151 West Ohio, in Indianapolis to review the proposed textbooks. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information constituents can call 232-0553.

Hoosiers can also visit Indiana University/Purdue University Indianapolis' public textbook review site in Room 1125 of the School of Education Curriculum Resource Center at 902 West New York St. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to noon on Friday. Constituents can call 317-274-6867 for more information.

Evaluation forms will be available at each site and accepted through Thursday, Sept. 2.

Public textbook review is a legal requirement outlined in the state's textbook adoption process. In addition to the evaluation forms, interested parties may offer verbal testimony on Sept. 2, when the advisory committee meets before making its recommendations to the State Board of Education.