Sept. 1 marks the deadline for Hoosiers in northern Indiana to stop by Purdue University Calumet in Hammond to review and offer comments on proposed health and science textbooks, according to State Sen. Ed Charbonneau (R-Valparaiso). 
Charbonneau said this opportunity helps give parents and other interested persons a voice in determining instructional material for the 2011-12 school year. The State of Indiana Textbook Adoption Committee and Indiana State Board of Education will consider public evaluations before determining the appropriate health and science textbooks – a decision made once every six years.
“This is an opportune chance for all stakeholders like parents, educators and communities to give feedback on student textbooks,” Charbonneau said. “I encourage Hoosiers to participate in this important decision-making process.”
Charbonneau said northwest Indiana residents can visit the Teacher Education Resource Center at Purdue University Calumet, located on the second floor of the Student Union and Library, 2200 169th St. in Hammond. People may visit Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For additional information, constituents may call 219-989-2677.
Evaluation forms will be available at the site and accepted through Wednesday, Sept.1.
Public textbook review is a legal requirement outlined in the state’s textbook adoption process. In addition to the evaluation forms, interested parties may offer verbal testimony on Sept. 2, when the advisory committee meets before making its recommendations to the State Board of Education.