ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the use of multiple texts and genres in every secondary classroom. It shows that textbooks, wisely selected and judiciously used, can play a vital role and hold much potential for helping students learn. The chapter explores the limitations of textbooks. It offers suggestions for using them creatively. The chapter provides suggestions for evaluating and selecting textbooks for particular purposes. It also provides a parallel discussion of non-textbook sources, including several other types of texts that teachers can use to their advantage as they instruct students and lead them toward independent learning in the disciplines. The chapter examines strategies to help students comprehend all types of texts and use them with purpose and with increasing independence. Textbooks have historically been a central focus of most content area classes from elementary grades through college. As consumers of textbooks, students are in some sense the most qualified to judge their usefulness, quality, and ability to promote and enhance learning.
