Objectives
The main objectives of this Book Policy are as follows:
- To ensure easy access to books by all members of the school system, particularly children with special needs and those in depressed communities.
- To ensure that books are used effectively as instruments of social, cultural and educational development in conformity with the policies and needs of Guyana and the Caribbean.
- To ensure that the procurement and distribution of text and non-text materials are done in a timely manner to enhance learning objectives.
- To ensure that text and non-text materials are received by the beneficiaries in good condition.
- To make the school community accountable for the use, care and storage of books and other instructional materials.
- To make the Distribution Unit as the first repository accountable for the receipt, storage, care and distribution of books.
- To ensure the equitable distribution and allocation of books across the country/school system.
Guiding Principles in the Selection of Textbooks
- The topics in the textbook should be relevant to the curriculum.
- Changes of basic texts should be restricted and spaced across a number of years.
- A textbook should be either robust i.e stiff covers with binding and is expected to last over a number of years, or be very cheap and last only a term or a school year, For example, workbooks.
- The choice and type are determined by pupils/students needs and curriculum requirements.
Selection Procedures
Officers within the Curriculum Development and Implementation Unit, Learning Resource Development Unit and Assistant Chief Education Officers shall request catalogues and complimentary copies of texts from publishers to make informed choices. Additionally, they should surf the Internet for information on the availability of other appropriate texts and non-text materials.
Criteria for Selection
- Suitability of the materials for the age of the learner.
- Vocabulary level used matches the readability level of the learner.
- Excellent, precise and interesting use of language.
- Durability
- Content matches the ability level of learner and is also relevant to the curriculum.
- Diagrams and illustrations are appropriate to learner's experience.
- Material is culturally relevant and free from stereotypes.
- Graded activities and practice exercises.
The books selected must be approved by Education Systems Committee.
