Textbook research primarily encompasses three major domains: content, consumption, and production (Harwood 2014). Globally, the development of English teaching materials is typically publisher-driven, with hired writers participating in compilation based on publishers’ requirements, often involving professional textbook authors. In contrast, the development of primary and secondary English textbooks in China, while also publisher-led, strictly adheres to mandates from educational administrative authorities and undergoes official professional reviews. Compilers usually consist of researchers paired with frontline teachers. Due to the cross-regional use of textbooks, core compilers are not from the same geographic area nor are they key teaching researchers within the relevant regional educational ecosystem. Such textbook development only begins to impact subject-specific teaching in a region after the materials are put into use.

The development of compulsory education English textbooks in Shanghai has organically integrated stakeholders within the foreign language education ecosystem and critical affordances of the ecosystem. First, compilers study national policies—particularly curriculum standards—analyze existing textbooks (especially exemplary overseas materials), and investigate local realities of foreign language teaching. Second, the textbook development team incorporates core future users, such as district-level teaching researchers and frontline master teachers, into the design and compilation process. Not only does the team incorporate their feedback and suggestions, but these future users also enhance their professional expertise through collaborative workshops and the compilation process. This deepens their understanding of the textbook’s essence, theoretical foundations, and practical applications, thereby laying a solid foundation for subsequent textbook implementation. The compilation process itself embodies interactions, collaborations, negotiations, and mutual empowerment among key stakeholders in the local foreign language education ecosystem. Textbook development is seamlessly integrated with teacher professional development and training for material usage, forming the defining feature of Shanghai’s current compulsory education English textbooks and representing a unique case in international foreign language textbook development. This process has catalyzed a new ecosystem for basic foreign language education, where textbook compilation and ecosystem construction serve as mutual goals and foundations, fostering reciprocal advancement.