Seminole County Public Schools seek parents’ input on new textbooks

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — Seminole County schools have begun the review process for social studies and civics textbooks for the 2023-2024 school year.

Next week, the Seminole County Public Schools instructional materials selection committee will meet to discuss which textbooks will make it into the classroom for social studies and civics classes.

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Read: Florida is now picking its social studies textbooks, but how does the process work?

A 9 Investigates report earlier this year highlighted a department of education memo warning publishers to eliminate material related to critical race theory, social justice, culturally responsive teaching, social and emotional learning, and any other unsolicited theories that may lead to student indoctrination.

Read: Florida’s rejected textbooks: How prevalent was Critical Race Theory, social and emotional learning?

Seminole Education Association president Dan Smith said he’s heard from several teachers who are concerned with the new guidelines.

“Of course there’s a concern. There’s a concern anytime you get a group of people judging books. That’s the first step in what can go really, really badly” Smith said.

READ: Several Central Florida school districts may have to choose new math books for next year

The new rules are not only impacting what is happening in the classroom, but at book fairs as well.

The district is working to determine what new considerations need to be made to ensure book fairs are in alignment with current legislation.

For now, the district has held off scheduling any book fairs until those determinations are made.

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