A Few Thoughts on Publishing

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A Few Thoughts on Publishing Research

• Steven Rasmussen March 2, 2005

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Development for Innovation
Early Innovators
"Retired in the Classroom"
Target audience during development
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Market Forces Drive Expansion
Willing to Adopt
Resistant to Change
As market evolves, early innovators becomes
segment willing to adopt change
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Market-Driven Publishing

• Good books are books that sell.
• Adults buy books.
• Lets research buying decisions of adults.
• Lets provide features adults want.
• Our books will sell.
• We publish good books.

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Market Research

• Focus Groups
• Templatized Curriculum
• Books as Lecture Outlines
• Ancillary Arms Race
• Oh, yeahStudent Learning
• Generic After-the-Fact Research Basis

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Publisher as Advocate for Change

• Good books are books that educate well.
• Children learn from books.
• Lets research learning of children.
• Lets research teaching.
• Lets provide what children and teachers need.
• But adults still buy books.
• Good books still must sell.

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Research for Market

• Content Analysis (State Standards)
• Well Articulated Theory of Action
• Who are materials designed for?
• What conditions necessary for success?
• What support for teachers needed?
• Record of Scientific Development
• Center for the Study of Mathematics Curriculum

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Research for Market (continued)

• Record of Iterated Classroom Trials (gt2)
• Raw Data, Anecdotal Data, Manuscript Evolution
• Evidence of Student Success through Multiple
  Measures
• Comparative Studies (NCLB and RCTs), Case Studies
• On Evaluating Curricular Effectiveness, NRC
• Lots and Lots of Testimonials