Textbooks are essential to any primary or secondary classroom. Schools that change their textbooks periodically can offer their students the freshest information available. How often textbooks should be changed is influenced by factors such as the subject matter and format of the textbooks.
Subject Matter
English and math textbooks don’t have to be changed as often as science or history books because their information doesn’t change as frequently. Schools may use English and math textbooks for a decade or longer, even until the books are falling apart, before they upgrade to new ones. Because new developments are constantly made in the sciences and new events happen every day that affect history, science and history books require more frequent updating. Some state-approved textbooks offer adoption cycles that provide new textbooks every five to seven years.
Digital Books
Digital textbooks don’t have to be changed as often as traditional printed textbooks. Because of their digital format, they can be easily amended and then downloaded again by students and educators. They cost significantly less than traditional books and can incorporate videos, online connectivity and other features that traditional textbooks cannot.
Supplemental Sources
Purchasing new textbooks can be expensive. Schools that don’t have the budget to do so might consider implementing supplemental sources into their curriculums. For instance, history classes might use current newspapers and magazines to convey newer historical events that aren’t covered in their textbooks.