In anticipation of the historic and complicated issues facing the next Regular Session of the Legislature, TCCTA is updating its collection of Talking Points. Included are a host of constructive assertions our association makes when discussing pertinent issues with public officials. Members may find them useful in communicating with lawmakers while they are “at home” in the districts.
The Talking Points are designed for individualized and selective use by educators who may also possess expertise or interest in a particular topic.
As pointed out in the TCCTA Guide to Political Participation, Capitol insiders have long maintained that form letters and petitions are not nearly as effective as individually written correspondence from constituents. Members are encouraged to consult the Guide (under “Legislative Resources” at www.tccta.org) for useful strategies. The site also contains a convenient link to find out “Who Represents Me?”
IMPORTANT: Do not use college equipment, e-mail addresses, or stationery when communicating with state policy makers. Also, it is crucial to be constructive at all times when communicating with public officials. Be sure to thank them for their hard work on behalf of the people of Texas.
Talking Points on Textbook Selection
Background: In 2007 and 2009, several bills were introduced on the subject of textbook selection, driven by understandable concerns about the cost to students. For some individuals in certain programs books cost more than tuition and fees, according to legislative testimony. Each Session produces an effort to exempt textbooks from sales taxes. Other perennial measures would place proscriptions on college faculty in making their choices. One notable effort in 2007 would have criminalized (as a Class B Misdemeanor) the acceptance of “gifts” by faculty from publishers that are intended to influence adoption decisions. A full definition of said “gifts” was not provided. TCCTA testified against the measure, which failed to pass. An interim charge leading up to the 2011 Regular Session requires 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 not always required by faculty or used by students.
- TCCTA has consistently emphasized the issue of textbook costs to faculty, urging them to take advantage of all reported cost-saving strategies.
- College faculty organizations on campuses around the state engage routinely in organized efforts to help provide texts to students in need. Local school policies and procedures frequently offer assistance as well.
- 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 supplemental features providing more comprehensive 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.
- Congress has passed a measure regulating the practice of “bundling”—a federal law intended to make certain that an entire package of material does not cost more than the sum of its component parts.
- State law (HB 2504, 81st Regular Session) now requires that course requirements be posted online, allowing students and parents to pursue purchasing or rental options before instruction begins.
- Textbook costs are, according to many authorities, currently declining. The publishing market is adjusting rapidly to competition from online booksellers, Internet materials, textbook rental programs, customized texts by faculty, and a host of other factors. This rational process should be allowed to continue without state interference.
The Texas Administrative Code, Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter M, Rule 4.218 states that
(a) Each institution of higher education shall provide written notice regarding the availability of textbooks:
(1) to each student of the institution during the week preceding each fall and spring semester
.
.
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(c) The notice must contain the following statement: "A student of this institution is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from a university-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an independent retailer, including an online retailer."
I wonder how many colleges are providing this notice?
I wonder how many colleges have agreements with their bookstores that promise that the colleges will NOT give students any knowledge about or encouragement to look for cheaper ways to find their books?
AND, for those that do, is this failure to provide the information illegal?
Posted by: victoria | March 21, 2012 at 02:42 PM