NewsTampa Bay TimesNovember 2, 2026Hillsborough County
Florida seeks expert reviewers for proposed social studies textbooks and instructional materials
Photo: Tampa Bay Times
The Florida Department of Education is seeking qualified experts to evaluate 96 publisher bids for new social studies textbooks and instructional materials across various grade levels and subjects. Reviewers must meet specific degree, certification, or teaching experience credentials to participate in the selection process. Interested individuals can apply through the state's website for a paid stipend position.
Read the full story at Tampa Bay TimesWhy It Matters
The review process determines which instructional materials enter Florida classrooms, directly shaping public school curricula and textbook availability for students and publishers.
Key Facts
- The Florida Department of Education received 96 bids from publishers to supply social studies textbooks and instructional materials.
- Submitted materials range from kindergarten basics to law studies, U.S. history, and History of Communism.
- Publishers submitting content include McGraw Hill, Gallopade, Cengage, and Hillsdale College.
- Reviewers must possess a bachelor's degree or higher, educator certification, five or more years of teaching experience, or recognized content expertise.
- Qualified individuals can apply to become a reviewer through the state's website to receive a stipend.
- During a similar adoption three years ago, the state rejected a third of submitted titles over inappropriate topics.
- Lake County school district reported a data breach involving approximately 1,800 student education records.
- New College of Florida released financing details for millions in debt as it assumes control of the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus.
- Okeechobee County schools closed on Monday due to widespread flooding.
- Florida International University plans for Sunblazer Hall to become the tallest on-campus residence hall in the state university system with 17 stories.
Who's Mentioned
locationNassau County“Teacher fired amid accusations.”OrganizationFlorida Policy Institute“Projected funding impacts if Amendment 3 passes.”OrganizationNational Geographic Learning“Associated with Cengage as a publisher.”OrganizationGallopade“Major publisher submitting content for courses.”PersonDavid Snider“FIU Chief Financial Officer quoted about Sunblazer Hall.”OrganizationFlorida International University“Institution building Sunblazer Hall.”OrganizationMcGraw Hill“Major publisher submitting content for courses.”OrganizationHillsdale College“Chair of classical education wrote a text supported for an accelerated U.S. hist”OrganizationState Board of Education“Repeatedly revised History of Communism to reflect latest headlines.”locationOrange County“ZIP code where Nemours Children's Health is working with preschools.”OrganizationNew College of Florida“Unveiled debt financing details while assuming control of USF Sarasota-Manatee c”locationDuval County“Races for three open school board seats have become charged with partisan politi”locationHillsborough County“Named its principal and assistant principal of the year.”OrganizationUSF Sarasota-Manatee“Campus being assumed by New College of Florida.”locationOkeechobee County“Schools closed due to flooding.”locationBroward County“School district officials discussed potential school closures.”OrganizationCengage“Major publisher submitting content for courses.”locationBrevard County“School board revamped rules for public comments.”locationLake County“School district informed families of a data breach.”OrganizationNemour’s Children’s Health“Working with preschools to prepare children for kindergarten.”OrganizationFlorida Department of Education“Managing the textbook adoption process and seeking expert reviewers.”locationSumter County“Teacher's aide arrested.”