A new study says similar results of student achievement were found while using various textbooks, indicating the teacher or the curriculum is more key than the book. Michelle McDowell, Jamestown Public Schools chief academic officer, agreed with that conclusion while noting that the district is currently phasing out some aspects of the traditional textbook. P-J photo by Jordan W. Patterson

Textbooks aren’t as key as teachers a new study says, Jamestown Public Schools officials agreed during a time when the traditional textbook is being phased out.

During a transition to a more hands-on teaching experience, textbooks become less and less frequent while the focus remains on the educator.

“I think that the written text is being phased out overall anyhow,” said Michelle McDowell, JPS chief academic officer.

McDowell said the transition from traditional textbooks to digital, online and a more hands-on education is more prevalent at the middle- and elementary- school level.

“We no longer have to go from page one and go to the end of the textbook,” she said.

The study, curated by the Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard University in 2019, concluded that, while teachers were transitioning to the Common Core State Standards, student achievement averages were unchanged when using different textbooks.

“The adoption of the Common Core State Standards led schools in many states to switch curricula. With so many districts transitioning to new curricula, the choice of textbook and curriculum has become much more salient. Contrary to prior research, we found little evidence of differences in average student achievement growth for elementary schools using different math textbooks in six states using CCSS-aligned assessments,” the report read.

Also explained in the conclusion was that while 93 percent of teachers reported using textbooks in some form, only 25 percent of the observed teacher pool used textbooks in all of their lessons for “multiple, essential purposes.”

Additionally, teachers reported, on average, the amount of training they received for utilizing textbooks were minimal.

Responding to the argument that textbooks are not as key as teachers, McDowell said “I would absolutely agree.”

“The textbook is a resource that we use,” she said. “Teachers know best what they need. The textbook is a resource and we supplement that with other resources that meet the kids’ needs.”

McDowell said the transition has begun at the elementary and middle schools. However, at Jamestown High School, the use of traditional textbooks are still in place.

The middle school has already begun blending digital education with traditional textbooks with its recent change to a National Geographic package.

Students are now using National Geographic textbooks in their science classes instead of traditional textbooks. The change follows a shift in emphasizing more hands-on work under the umbrella of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Music (STEAM) related programs. The textbook brought with it many changes that include creating an environment of reality and creativity.

The online component to the National Geographic textbook is interactive and adds to the experience. With videos, high-quality photography and interactive pages, the online textbook is much more than a mirrored version of the physical copy.

The use of digital tablets are also being used more frequently in class.

McDowell likened the change to a shift in society and the overall culture. She admitted she is less likely to read a physical copy of a newspaper and instead favors reading her news digitally. The convenience and relevance is equally relatable to the younger learner as well, in McDowell’s view.

“For most kids, especially our youngest learners, it is a great way to reach them,” she said.