TCCTA is assembling a number of "Talking Points" for communicating with policy makers, leading up to the next Regular Session in January. Following is the next installment, on the subject of textbook selection.
BACKGROUND
In 2007, several bills were introduced, driven by understandable concerns about the cost to students of college texts. For some students books cost more than tuition and fees, according to legislative testimony. One bill sought to exempt textbooks from sales taxes. Another, HB 956 by Rep. Scott Hochberg (D-Houston), placed proscriptions and requirements on college faculty in making their choices. Some of this bill's provisions were innocuous, such as a stipulation that instructors take cost into account. Another, however, would have criminalized (with a Class B Misdemeanor) the acceptance of "gifts" by faculty from publishers that are intended to influence adoption decisions. A full definition of such "gifts" was not provided. TCCTA testified against HB 956, which failed to pass. However, an interim charge leading up to the next Regular Session mandates an examination of textbook pricing practices and potential remedies.
Of particular interest to lawmakers is the practice of "bundling" textbooks with supplemental material such as workbooks, CDs, and software that, according to testimony, drives up the cost and is rarely required by faculty or used by students.
The following points are offered for use by teachers in discussing the issue with policy makers. The TCCTA Legislative and Executive Committees will formulate and publish the association’s official Legislative Program this fall for the 2009 Regular Session.
IMPORTANT: Do not use college equipment, e-mail addresses, or stationery when communicating with state policy makers. Also, it is important to always be constructive when communicating with public officials. Be sure to thank them for their hard work on behalf of the people of Texas.
TALKING POINTS
TCCTA, in its quarterly publication and on its Web site, has consistently emphasized the issue of textbook costs to faculty, urging them to take advantage of “open source” material now available on the Internet, and other cost-saving strategies.College faculty organizations on campuses around the state are engaged routinely in organized efforts to help provide texts to students in need. Local school policies and procedures frequently offer assistance as well.
The most expensive texts are usually found in certain subjects such as science and nursing. State policy should not be directed toward a one-size-fits-all remedy. Texts in many scientific fields are simply better in quality than before, with graphics, three-dimensional illustrations, and supplemental features providing more comprehensive and contemporary information.
Textbook selection inevitably involves the important principle of academic freedom. College faculty should be allowed to make the best choices for students, taking cost into account in a variety of ways.
Many teachers report that “bundling” of supplemental material saves students money, by allowing a single purchase. These faculty members say the extra material is crucial to their instructional mission. Such decisions are best conducted at the campus level.
The publishing market is currently adjusting rapidly to competition from online booksellers, Internet materials, customized texts by faculty, and a host of other factors. This rational process should be allowed to continue without state involvement.
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