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Schwarzenegger launches second stage of first-in-the-nation free digital textbook initiative

To promote education and provide as many resources as possible to teachers , California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger on Tuesday launched the second phase of his first-in-the-nation free digital textbook initiative.

"Resources like digital textbooks play a critical role in our 21st century educational landscape, and expanding my first-in-the-nation initiative will provide local school districts additional high-quality free resources to help prepare California's students to compete in the global marketplace," Schwarzenegger said.

The second phase, he added, calls on content developers to submit high school history/social science and higher-level math course textbooks for review against California's academic content standards.

"I urge content developers to jump on board this second phase and submit social science and advanced math material to help ensure California's shift to a more advanced and cost-effective education system continues," said the California governor.

Schwarzenegger launched the first phase of this groundbreaking initiative in May 2009 in a bid to help ensure California's students have access to high-quality, cost-effective instructional materials with the focus on high school math and science textbooks.

Last fall, he signed a package of bills to help increase the quantity, availability and practicality of using digital textbooks in the classroom.

The initiative reviews existing free digital textbooks against California's rigorous academic standards to identify which free textbooks are standards-aligned and may be used in California's classrooms.

Free digital textbooks are downloadable and may be projected on a screen, viewed on a computer, printed chapter by chapter, or bound for use in the classroom. Schools can take advantage of these free, standards-aligned resources using existing hardware -- as using them does not require having computers or laptops for every student.

The first phase of Schwarzenegger's digital textbook initiative focused on high school geometry, algebra II, trigonometry, calculus, physics,chemistry, biology/life science and earth science digital textbooks.

The second phase invites content developers to submit textbooks for review against California's academic content standards in the areas of linear algebra; probability and statistics; world history, culture and geography; U.S. history and geography; American democracy; and economics.

Review of submitted digital textbooks will be coordinated by the California Learning Resource Network (CLRN) and conducted by expert teachers and content specialists.

"California is a world leader in developing cutting-edge technology, and now our schools can access those advancements to help provide our students with a cutting-edge education," said Secretary of Education Glen Thomas. "Digital textbooks are free, versatile and save kids' backs," he said.

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