Textbook Evaluation 2 by Jaylani Roberts

For uniformity this checklist is reflected earlier in our website. Utilizing the same questions I have evaluated the Holt Literature and Language textbook for 10th Graders, 4th Course below. I have highlighted and underlined my answers for each evaluation question.

Text Book Evaluation

Title of Book: Holt Literature and Language Arts California Fourth Course

Edition: 1

Publisher/Year: Holt, Rhinehart, and Winston 2003

Circle the best characteristic.

A. CONTENT

1.      Is the subject matter presented either topically or functionally in a logical and organized manner?

Excellent                 Good                      Adequate                   Poor                      Not Applicable

2.      Does the content reflect learning about the target language and culture?

Excellent                 Good                      Adequate                   Poor                      Not Applicable

3.      Are the readings authentic literature?

Excellent                 Good                     Adequate                   Poor                       Not Applicable

4.      Does the literature reflect a variety of genre with multiple sentence structures?

Excellent                  Good                      Adequate                  Poor                      Not Applicable

5.      Does the content contain real life issues and does it challenge the reader to think critically?

Excellent                 Good                     Adequate                   Poor                       Not Applicable

B. VOCABULARY AND GRAMMAR

1.      Is new vocabulary presented in a variety of ways?

Excellent                 Good                     Adequate                   Poor                       Not Applicable

2.      Is vocabulary presented so as to keep the text understandable?

Excellent                 Good                      Adequate                   Poor                      Not Applicable

3.      Is vocabulary reinforced in subsequent lessons?

Excellent                 Good                     Adequate                   Poor                       Not Applicable

4.      Are multiple strategies involved for vocabulary development?

Excellent                 Good                     Adequate                   Poor                       Not Applicable

5.      Is grammar presented in a logical manner?

Excellent                 Good                     Adequate                   Poor                      Not Applicable

C. ATTRACTIVENESS OF THE TEXT

1.      Is the cover of the book appealing?

Excellent                 Good                      Adequate                   Poor                      Not Applicable

2.      Is the visual imagery of high aesthetic quality?

Excellent                 Good                      Adequate                   Poor                      Not Applicable

3.      Do illustrations add to the meaning of text?

Excellent                  Good                      Adequate                  Poor                      Not Applicable

D. CONTEXT

1.      Is the text appropriate for the curriculum?

Excellent                 Good                     Adequate                   Poor                       Not Applicable

2.      Is the text unbiased and free of material that may be offensive?

Excellent                  Good                      Adequate                  Poor                      Not Applicable

3.      Are examples and explanations easy to understand?

Excellent                 Good                      Adequate                   Poor                      Not Applicable

4.      Is the content appropriate for learning English?

Excellent                 Good                      Adequate                   Poor                      Not Applicable

5.      Is the textbook and teachers manual appropriate for the teachers who will use them?

Excellent                 Good                     Adequate                   Poor                       Not Applicable

The checklist will be scored as follows:

EXCELLENT = 5 POINTS

GOOD = 4 POINTS

ADEQUATE = 3 POINTS

POOR = 2 POINTS

NOT APPLICABLE = 0 POINTS

Evaluation - This textbook is dry, outdated and poor choice for students at best. We have used it a handful of times this year because students simply cannot relate to it and the books are in poor condition. Additionally, the book does not provide culturally relevant or relatable examples for the diverse backgrounds that are reflected in urban classrooms today.

My final score was 48/90.