Case Studies/California Free Digital Textbook Initiative
From government to non-profit organizations, teachers to textbook publishers, we all have a role to play in leveraging 21st century technology to expand learning and better serve California's students, parents, teachers and schools. This initiative will ensure our schools know which digital textbooks stand up to California's academic content standards - so these cost-effective resources can be used in our schools to help ensure each and every student has access to a world-class education. — Arnold Schwarzenegger
Overview
In May 2009, at the request of Governor Schwarzennegger, California Secretary of Education Glen Thomas will work with State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell and State Board of Education President Ted Mitchell to develop a state approved list of standards-aligned, open-source digital textbooks for high school math and science.
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.
Phase 2 of the project is underway. The California Learning Resource Network (CLRN) is responsible for reviewing these materials to verify that they are aligned to the California content standards. Qualifying mathematics courses include geometry, algebra II, trigonometry, calculus, linear algebra, and probability and statistics. The science materials must be aligned to the standards for physics, chemistry, biology/life sciences, or earth sciences, including the investigation and experimentation strand. History-social science courses include world history, culture, & geography; U.S. history & geography; principles of American democracy; and principles of economics.
License Usage
Of the 16 textbooks submitted last year, 15 are openly licensed under one of the Creative Commons licenses—and all 10 that passed 90% of CA’s state standards are CC licensed.
Motivations
How did the author or organization first hear about Creative Commons? Why did they choose to license under Creative Commons? Which license did they select and why? Any other issues you may have come across/comments you’d like to make.
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Media
Please include any screenshots, logos, links to videos, audio files, press hits, etc. To upload a file, open a separate window and click through Special:Upload.
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