49-6-2202 - Listing of approved textbooks. - Tennessee Statutes

49-6-2202. Listing of approved textbooks.

(a)  It is the duty of the commission to prepare a list of standard editions of textbooks for approval by the state board of education for use in the public schools of the state. A list of at least four (4) books in each subject and grade shall be listed, if available and of sufficient merit to warrant being listed. The list shall be published in accordance with the rules, regulations, policies and procedures of the state publications committee.

(b)  (1)  The commission has the authority to recommend to the state board of education which textbooks may be added to the list for adoption.

     (2)  The commission also has the authority to recommend to the state board of education any textbook that may be removed from the list for adoption if the commission finds that the book contains subversive material or information; provided, that the publisher of the book has been given written notice by the secretary of the commission no less than thirty (30) days prior to the meeting that the recommendation for removal of the book to the board will be considered by the commission.

     (3)  In recommending textbooks for use in economics or business-oriented courses or programs, the commission should include at least one (1) textbook written, illustrated and exemplified in such a manner as to facilitate comprehension by all students, including those of disadvantaged socioeconomic circumstances and of culturally different backgrounds.

     (4)  In recommending textbooks for use in social studies, Tennessee history, American history or any related subject, the commission shall strive to recommend textbooks that accurately and comprehensively portray the full range of diversity and achievement of racial and ethnic minorities as well as the role and importance of religion in history.

(c)  Upon appropriate approval by the state board of education, the commission shall publish the list of textbooks for use in the schools of this state no later than February 1 of any year when listings are made or there are changes to be reported. The list shall contain the title of the textbook listed for adoption, the names of the publishers and the prices at which the books are available, as provided for in this chapter.

(d)  As used in this part or elsewhere in this title, “textbook” or “textbooks” includes “electronic textbook” or “electronic textbooks,” which means computer software, interactive videodisc, magnetic media, CD-ROM, computer courseware, local and remote computer assisted instruction, online service, electronic medium or other means of conveying information to the student or otherwise contributing to the learning process through electronic means. Electronic textbooks may be recommended, adopted and purchased in the same fashion as provided for textbooks in this part.

[Acts 1951, ch. 180, § 6 (Williams, § 2453.32); modified; Acts 1973, ch. 377, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A. (orig. ed.), §§ 49-2008, 49-2009; Acts 1984 (1st E.S.), ch. 6, § 6; 1984, ch. 595, § 4; 1984, ch. 748, § 1; 1990, ch. 1024, § 24; 1997, ch. 310, § 1; 2001, ch. 271, § 1.]