Textbook fate in the hands of just 15 people

Who would have thought that textbooks in Texas would be such a hot topic?  Well the beat goes on!

One reason this is seen as more of a national issue has to do with the way the textbook market works.  Texas represents a large part (everything is bigger in Texas right?) of the textbook market.  It stands to reason that if you make and sell textbooks you would want to be competitive in the Texas market.  The fear is that the rest of the nation will have to use whatever standards Texas comes up with because that is what the textbook manufacturers will use when they design their books.  This somehow ends up falling into the very wide and very grey "fairness" category for many folks.

The bottom line is that all of the "news" outlets like a good controversy...it is good for business.  The reality is that this is the free market working as designed, supply and demand.  Texas represents the largest demand therefore the supply is targeted to their standards.  Unfair? Nope.  If a savvy textbook company wanted to let their competition compete with 90% of other textbook companies, while they pursued the combined remaining textbook market, that sounds like a fair, and good, opportunity.  A little innovation in low volume printing and customizable text might be a boon to the industry, but don't look for innovation if we beg our government to regulate textbook manufacturers.

Here are some helpful links if you care to keep up with this issue:

• TEA State Board of Education (SBOE) site
• Site to watch SBOE meeting
• Email for SBOE

Remember, the fate of your children's education is not in the hands of SBOE, it is in your hands.  Take that responsibility serious and your kids will get the education that is best for them.  Pawn that responsibility off on the government and your children will be taught the values of the state.  The choice is ALWAYS yours.