ESL TEXTBOOK REVIEW FORM 2016

June 2016

ESL Textbook Review Form Title of Text Reviewed: ____________________________ Publisher: __________________________ Reviewer’s Name: _______________________________ Would you recommend that this text be placed on the list of books approved for our program?

Yes ___ No ___

I. Components of core texts: Does the text have the following?

Yes 1. Student book a. How is it available: 1. Hard copy?

2. Online?

3. Split editions available? b. How is the audio accessed: 1. Audio CD in SB? 2. MP3 file?

3. Available on an App? 4. Are listening scripts available? c. Video component? d. QR codes? e. Other?

2. Workbook a. How is it available: 1. Hard copy?

2. Online?

3. Split editions available?

4. Answer keys available to students? b. How is the audio accessed: 1. Audio CD in WB? 2. MP3 file?

3. Available on an App? 4. Are listening scripts available? c. QR codes? d. Other?

3. Extra student practice a. Free internet site? b. Publisher’s site requiring access code? c. App for phone? d. Other?

No

Comments

June 2016

Yes 4. CASAS type life-skill reading exercises a. In student book? b. In workbook? c. Online?

5. Teacher’s resources a. Presentation software: 1. For student book?

2. For workbook? b. Videos? c. Class audio separate from audio for students? d. Supplementary worksheets? Where located? e. Teacher’s edition/ lesson planner: 1. Hard copy?

2. Online?

3. With answer key? f. Online teacher’s resource site?

6. Tests a. b. c. d. e. f.

Placement test for series?

Unit tests?

Mid-term or multi-chapter review tests?

Final test?

Located in TE, on CD, or on-line?

Test bank of items?

7. Correlations/ Standards a. Does the text contain correlations with standards: 1. CCR standard 2. CASAS content standards 8. Any other components 9. Cost issues a. Is the price reasonable for students? b. Is there a bundled option (text + workbook sold together)? c. Cost of on-line access code? d. How long is code usable? e. Can code be used by multiple students?

Additional Comments:

No

Comments

June 2016

II. Content of Text Yes 1. Is the content “level� appropriate?

2. Does the core text address the 4 major skills: a. Listening? b. Speaking? c. Reading? d. Writing?

3. Is the content interesting or appropriate for this student population?

4. Does the content promote cross cultural awareness?

5. Are there interactive practice exercises conducive to a variety of grouping strategies?

6. Is the grammar and vocabulary taught in context, integrating form, function, and use?

7. Does the text integrate the use of technology in order to develop digital literacy skills?

8. Does the content of the text align with the College and Career Readiness Standards (CCRs)? ( See optional checklist for specific standards.)

Additional Comments:

No

Comments

June 2016

III. Is the textbook student-friendly?

1

Yes

No Is the print large enough?

2

Yes

No Is the format appropriate (e.g. not too much on the page for lower levels)?

3

Yes

No Are the pictures interesting, helpful, appropriate, and supportive of the text?

4

Yes

No Are the graphics helpful and supportive of the text, i.e., do they relate directly to the print?

Do they help the student comprehend the print?

5

Yes

No Is the material visually attractive?

For example, are the colors appealing and are the illustrations engaging?

6

Yes

No

Can the student textbook be used on a non-consumable basis? Can the student textbook be used as a loaner book (without requiring a lot of writing in the book)?

7

Yes

No

Are the directions clear for each exercise?

8

Yes

No

Is the material online easy to navigate?

Additional Comments:

June 2016

Optional: (For Intermediate and Advanced Levels) Does the textbook align with the College and Career Readiness Standards (CCRs)?

Reading Skills 1. Are the majority of the passages informational text?

2. Does each reading passage have a Lexile score to identify the level of the text?

3. Are there two or more texts on similar topics?

4. Is information presented in diverse media and formats, e.g. charts, graphs, video?

5. Are most of the comprehension questions text dependent questions?

6. Are there vocabulary exercises focused on finding meaning in context?

7. Are words from the Academic Word List highlighted?

8. Do comprehension exercises require students to apply critical thinking skills, e.g. find main idea, summarize, identify author’s point of view?

9. Do activities require the students to cite evidence from the text to answer questions?

Additional Comments:

Yes

No

Comments

June 2016

Listening/Speaking Skills

Yes

No

Comments

1. Does the text contain listening passages with content relevant to learner needs?

2. Do exercises include opportunities for students to participate in a variety of interactive conversations and collaborations?

3. Do listening comprehension exercises provide opportunities for students to evaluate a speaker’s point of view and use of evidence?

4. Are there activities that provide opportunities for students to present information orally?

Additional Comments:

Writing Skills 1. Are the writing activities integrated with the reading lessons in the text?

2. Do the writing lessons include stages of the writing process, e.g. pre-write, write, revise 3. Are there activities that require learners to write arguments to support claims in analyzing a text, using evidence?

4. Do writing exercises encourage learners to conduct research, using technology?

Additional Comments:

Yes

No

Comments