Actually what is going on in California regarding algebra is going on in many states and districts with other subjects besides algebra. There has been a long-standing debate on when algebra should be taught - 8th or 9th grade. California is now easing up on their law on textbook adoption. Now the state will come up with recommendations, but individual districts are free to make their own choices - not just in text book choices but in other resources including digital.
In developing textbook adoption, California maintains the attitude that there is quality control in state adoption. Many worry that loosening these requirements will affect quality of instruction.
Not all states have state textbook adoption processes. But all states & school districts are finding that resource materials in changing quickly in their quest to "align" to Common Core. The state will be bring a list of supplemental materials to the state board to "bridge the gap" between existing instructional resources and the common core.
My questions to our readers are (1) Should teachers rely on state decisions for textbook adoption? (2) What kinds of instructional resources do classroom teachers need? And who or what entity makes these decisions?
(3) What freedoms should teachers enjoy in individual districts and schools?
Calif. Laws Shift Gears on Algebra, Textbooks. Erik W. Robelsen. 10.24.12. Education Week - Premium Article
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2012/10/24/09textbooks.h32.html?tkn=ZWSFJqCFWeccgL9PEY07F13%2FE7XIm19QeftF&cmp=ENL-CM-NEWS2
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