Our first project will be a public domain Algebra textbook. The Effective Algebra Project will include the full array of features offered by other publishers for academic textbooks (guided lessons, lectures, online learning materials, and teacher aids) for free. All materials will be made with California State Standards in mind, so the content will be easy for professors to navigate and teach. We intend the Effective Algebra Project to be available over the internet at no cost, and physical copies to be sold at near the cost of production. For more information on how the Dolan Foundation can afford to make our extensive academic materials for free, please visit the FAQ section.

Process

There are three stages to developing the Effective Algebra Textbook. First, we will be putting together a group of college professors to decide on what they want from a textbook. The Teachers Advisory Council will examine the strengths and deficiencies of other textbooks, decide how best to present lessons, what teachers’ materials should be included, what supplements will prove most effective, and most importantly: they will select an author. Afterward, the author and the Advisory Council will complete the textbook during the writing phase. While the professionals develop the book, we here at the Dolan Foundation, also in collaboration with the Advisory council, will develop the supplements. With some careful planning, we are confident the whole production process should be complete in mid 2009.

Progress

We are currently putting together the Teachers Advisory Council, which will consist of five to seven college professors in and around the San Jose, California area. Michael Holleran, our Director of Development, has had several informational meetings with local teachers about their ideas on the public domain alternative, and there has been a lot of discussion about the types of supplements we expect to produce, but further development is on hold until we select an Advisory Council. We expect the selection process to wrap up in late-December, 2008 and for the next stage of development to begin in January.