The big search: streamlining the textbook selection process

Schools that serve hearing-impaired students must exercise special care in selecting textbooks to support classroom instruction. This article outlines the procedures developed and used at Kendall Demonstration Elementary School at Gallaudet University to evaluate and select a social studies textbook series. These procedures should apply to other subjects as well, and are offered as a resource model for other schools. Specific suggestions are made for every step in the process, including conducting a needs assessment, locating potential materials, defining roles of committee members, developing evaluation criteria and more. Emphasis is placed on conducting a comprehensive, manageable, and ultimately effective textbook search that supports the school's curriculum and satisfies the needs of students and teachers.