Math textbooks

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:Could it have to do with lack of $ to buy them? Is it cheaper to photocopy ?

Lack of money is a lie. MCPS had a SURPLUS of textbooks funds in FY 24 and still got an increase in textbook funds for 2025.

I wrote Taylor, council and the BOE this morning when I read that in the news. I’m livid my 9th graders are still doesn’t have an AP textboook and has teeny tiny illegal photocopies from the teacher. The irony is the RT for this department is quoted in the media as “worried about our school’s diversity if they take out IB”. Why isn’t she concerned her department isn’t fully resources with basic supplies?!?

APs have textbooks? Don't most students borrow or buy them to study for the exam?

No most students buy or borrow the AP Study guide book, but the classes have actual textbooks. My kids has gotten them every year.

Its teacher specific for textbooks. You buy the study guides, but we have had ap classes where the teacher had textbooks but choose not to use them.

Yes, a teacher can choose not to require textbook reading, and I can say as a member of a number of AP Teacher Forums that many (most?) now do not rely on their textbook because they worry that kids will not do the reading. But, they are still required to provide textbooks, and this is the best way for a student to have access to the entire curriculum for their own study. I do require use of a textbook because I want my kids to develop the ability to concentrate on difficult material, not just watch a 7 minute video. Do your child a favor and request one for them. BTW - if your teacher is using any of the AMSCO books, they are valuable study guides, but they do not meet the course audit requirements. - Long-time AP teacher

This is the answer. I don't mind if a teacher doesn't assign specific homework or reading from the textbook. Its helpful if they indicate on their syllabus which chapters/pages refer to what they will be covering and explain to students that previewing and reviewing that material as part of a regular study plan is helpful to learning and passing the class. This is how college and advance study actually works. The student is provided with resources for use, teachers provide expertise of lots of compiled info is a more compact manner than communicates key points/idea and guides. But its up to the student to use the additional resources to gain the wider understanding that is expected.

[Anonymous]

When my kids were in MCPS, right before the end of the school year, I would find out what textbooks were being used for the next grade and just buy it second hand from Amazon.

Through out summer, and during the school year, I worked through the textbooks with my kids. I did not care if the school introduced new textbooks etc, my aim was to make sure that my kids had a super strong Math foundation.

(LOL, now I am told that AI will kill all jobs and there is no need for humans anymore)