Abstract:
For many mathematics teachers, the textbook is the pnmary guide to
implementing the curriculum. Textbook selection is a major philosophical
and financial commitment by districts. Textbooks playa central role in
influencing mathematics learning for all students. For students to learn
important mathematics, the text guiding their learning and the teacher's
instruction must contain appropriate depth of content, encourage effective
instructional strategies, identify a clear sense of purpose, and promote
student thinking (Kulm, 1999). Many of the popular commercial textbooks
used in U.S middle schools do not meet these basic criteria. Often the
content being taught and the standards being tested on state assessments do
not align (Richardson, 2001). The academic performance of students
suffer as a result.
