Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

K-12 Textbook Approach Needs District Flexibility and Publisher Accountability

Report 03-28, April 2003

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Report Summary

  • Florida's acquisition and distribution approach for its instructional materials process is similar to other high population and southeastern states except that Florida school districts cannot purchase used state-adopted materials.
  • Giving districts the authority to buy used textbooks to supplement their existing inventories of state-adopted materials is cost-effective.
  • Authorizing the sale of surplus state-adopted materials across district lines will improve utilization of materials purchased with state funds.
  • Monitoring publisher offers for high value, free materials that accompany textbook purchases will help ensure that all school districts receive equal offers.
Creating a penalty system for late delivery of state-adopted materials will improve publisher accountability and may decrease the frequency of back orders on the first day of school.

Related Reports
  1. Progress Report: Steps Taken to Reduce Instructional Materials Costs; Additional Changes Could Benefit Districts
    Report 05-18 April 2005
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
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