RHS English Department
Selection of Literature Policy

Full Class Reading for a Text

  • Class assigned literature
  • Classroom set of texts

A new title is piloted when two teachers have read a text and recommend it for use.

Read Aloud Texts

  • A text that is part of the course's curriculum is an approved text.
  • If a non-curriculum text is selected for a read aloud, the text selection will follow the curriculum procedures.

Student Selected Reading Texts for Outside Reading Assignments

  • For outside reading assignments
  • For sustained silent reading
  • Teachers approve the text, not necessarily based on their reading of the text, but based on the connection to the reading assignment.  If a student feels uncomfortable with a student selected text after reading a portion or the text, student should notify the teacher.  An extension of time will be given so that the student can read the newly selected text.

Sensitive Language or Issues in a Text

  • If a new title is selected and the recommending two+ teachers indicate that sensitive language, sexuality, and sensitive issues are part of the text, a parental letter requesting approval will be sent prior to the distribution of the text.  The text will not be distributed until all parents have responded.  If a parent requests that his/her child not read the text, then an alternate text with similar assignments will be provided.
  • After three uses of the text during three different school years and after one hundred percent parental approval, the sending of a parental approval letter will not be required before the text is assigned.

Teacher Recommendation of a Text—With or Without an Available Copy

  • Teachers will use the same department criteria for identifying sensitive literature and for parental notification response if the text has sensitive language, sexuality, and/or sensitive issues.

Summer Reading Brochure

  • Yearly, the English teachers review the suggested titles.
  • Teachers usually list titles that have lasted the test of time and achieved literary status.

 

Fall 2005

Contact:  Mrs. Victoria Nordlund, Department Chair