Frequently Asked Questions

Using Our Programs

Why do TCI materials do a better job of teaching historical concepts than other educational materials?

• TCI materials have interactive activities that allow students to discover information and concepts for themselves, helping them better remember important details about history.
• The Curriculum Developers at TCI have incorporated recent scholarship not readily available to all teachers.
• All of TCI's programs are integrated, allowing students to see connections between classroom activities, history, and their lives today.
• TCI materials maintain chronological order while grouping by content area for ease of understanding.
• Our technology products challenge students to read critically and check for understanding of content while allowing teachers to present classroom activities through state-of-the-art presentations.

How much time will I need to teach each lesson?

The amount of time spent on a lesson depends on many factors, including class size, length of class period, and teacher background. The lessons are designed to "stand alone," so that teachers can choose which activities are most appropriate to their classrooms. Teachers do not need to teach every lesson in a program.

In the TCI Subscription, we provide suggested times for each phase of a lesson in the Procedures menu. The TCI Subscription’s Classroom Presentations provide step-by-step instructions for teachers and students, minimizing prep time and making it easier than ever to use TCI.

How does TCI choose which historical content and concepts to cover in a program?

We make our decisions based primarily on four criteria:

• Input from teachers
• Guidance from state and national frameworks
• In-house content expertise
• Recent scholarship

Placing Your Order

What is the best way to order?

How can I submit a purchase order?

TCI accepts purchase orders via fax (800-343-6828), e-mail, or mail:
TCI
P.O. Box 1327
Rancho Cordova, CA 95741

Purchase orders are not accepted via our Web site or over the phone.

Need to verify prices? You can create a quote using the TCI Store link at the top of the page.

How can I order using a credit card?

TCI accepts Visa, MasterCard, or American Express credit cards. Orders can be placed using the TCI Store.

How can I order using a check or money order?

TCI accepts checks and money orders via mail:
TCI
P.O. Box 1327
Rancho Cordova, CA 95741

Need to verify prices? You can create a quote using the TCI Store link at the top of the page.

What if I have tax-exempt status and sales tax is being added to my order?

If you are using a personal credit card to make a purchase for use at your school, sales tax will be charged because you as an individual are not considered tax exempt. By law, TCI cannot extend your school's/district's sales tax-exempt status to a personal sale.

If you are using a school credit card with a school/district billing address, and the school/district has sales tax-exempt status, you will need to fax (800-343-6828) a copy of the tax-exempt certificate referencing your order number within 24 hours of placing the order. The tax will be adjusted when the order is processed. Failure to fax the certificate within 24 hours may result in sales tax being added to your order.

Taxable states: CA, FL, IL, IN, KY, MA, MI, NC, NY, OH, PA, TN, TX, VA, WA.

Can I order individual components?

Components such as Interactive Student Notebooks, Lesson Guides, and placard sets are available for individual purchase. Select the program you are interested in and then choose “Purchase” from the menu on the left of the screen for ordering information.

Do I need to add shipping and handling?

Yes. TCI ships all in-stock print items for regular domestic orders by ground service at a rate of 5% of the order subtotal or $5.00 minimum. Technology items do not require a shipping or handling fee.

• Alaska and Hawaii: All orders to Alaska and Hawaii are shipped by 2-day air service at a rate of 8% of the order subtotal or $10.00 minimum.
• Expedited Shipping: Orders can be shipped to any domestic location by expedited shipping at a rate of 8% of the order subtotal or $10.00 minimum.
• International: TCI can ship internationally. All international orders must be prepaid, and TCI is not responsible for preparing any international paperwork. Please call Customer Service at 800-497-6138, ext. 0 or e-mail us at info@teachtci.com for more details.
• F.O.B. Destination: If your school or district policy is F.O.B. destination, we will invoice 5% of the order subtotal or $5.00 minimum.

I'm ordering from a bookstore. Why isn't my trade discount reflected?

Trade discounts cannot be calculated via our online ordering system. If you hold a current Trade Agreement with us, when the credit card order is processed the discount will be applied. You will receive an invoice reflecting the discounted prices and the correct shipping and handling.

If there are any questions about the Trade Agreement status you will be contacted before the order is processed.

Receiving Your Order

What does my order status mean?

There are four different types of order status: confirmed, in process, backordered, and shipped.

Confirmed: Your order placed online has been received and confirmed with our Order department. Once your order has been processed and your credit card charged you will receive a confirmation e-mail at the e-mail address on record.

In Process: Your order has been charged and is waiting to be fulfilled, normally within 24 hours.

Backordered: Your order (or part of your order) has been backordered. If you have time-sensitive needs, please contact TCI Customer Service at 800-497-6138, ext. 0.

Shipped: Your order has been fulfilled. You should receive any print materials you ordered within 1-2 weeks. For TeachTCI subscriptions, you should receive activation codes within 3-5 business days via e-mail.

How long will it take for my order to be delivered?

It will take approximately 10 to 15 days from the time we receive your order until your print materials are delivered. If you choose to pay the additional fee for 2-day air service, your order will ship in 2 days after our standard 2- to 3-day processing time. For TCI Subscription orders, you will receive an email with account information within 1-3 business days of placing your order.

Returns, Exchanges, and Backorders

What if I want to return or exchange my order?

Our first priority is customer satisfaction. That's why you may return or exchange any unused product in saleable condition within 60 days of the invoice date of your order. Please download and complete the Return/Exchange form. You may contact Customer Service 800-497-6138, ext. 0 for assistance. Please have your packing slip or purchase number available when you call. If you wish to exchange an item, we must receive payment for shipping (see Shipping Rates) and any difference in price before processing your exchange. Please refer to the Return/Exchange form (PDF, 424KB) for instructions. Unfortunately, we cannot accept the following for returns or exchanges:

• Bent, torn, soiled, marked, or stamped items.
• Opened shrink-wrapped items.
• Items damaged due to insufficient packaging when returned. Please be sure to carefully and securely package all items you are returning.
• Products received at events or conferences.
• Subscriptions or other software products

If my packing slip indicates that an item has been backordered, what do I do?

If your packing slip indicates that an item has been backordered, we will ship that item as soon as it is available. If you have a time-sensitive order and need additional information, please call Customer Service at 800-497-6138, ext. 0 or e-mail us at info@teachtci.com. Note that for credit card orders you will not be charged until your item is shipped.

Do you have a trade policy for college bookstores or resellers?

Bring Learning Alive! Methods to Transform Middle and High School Social Studies Instruction and Social Studies Alive! Methods to Transform Elementary Instruction are available to college bookstores and other vendors for resale. For information on our trade policies, procedures, and discounts, please call Customer Service at 800-497-6138, ext. 0 or e-mail us at info@teachtci.com.

What do I do if TCI made an error in processing my order?

Please open and review your order as soon as you receive it. If you feel that TCI made an error in processing your order, please call Customer Service at 800-497-6138, ext. 0 or e-mail us at info@teachtci.com. If your order was shipped correctly but you wish to return or exchange materials, please see our frequently asked question on returns and exchanges.