American teenagers score woefully behind most of their international peers on standardized math and science tests, and the current review suggests that subpar textbooks may be partly to blame. They sure do, says Stephen Driesler, executive director of the American Association of Publishers' school division. He adds that states dictate content, which must dovetail with academic standards set for each grade. But in any system designed by human beings, there are going to be errors that slip through. Hubisz's report disputes that upbeat assessment.
Good alternatives do exist.
College textbooks, which are ordered by scholars who know their subjects, almost never have errors or politically correct illustrations. Political pressure and citizen activism can spark improvement, too. Trouble is, many parents, students, and teachers are credulous when it comes to science, math, or other technical subjects. World Report Inc. All rights reserved. All rights reserved.