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Meeting Date:
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3/12/2025 - 5:00 PM
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Category:
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Information Items
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Type:
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Info
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Subject:
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12.1 CURRICULUM: New Supplemental English Novel Adoption
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Strategic Plan:
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Enclosure
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File Attachment:
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Summary:
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The District’s Educational Services Department is recommending the adoption of a new set of novels for use in high school English courses. The previous adoption cycle occurred in 2015, and this review marks an important update to ensure that the curriculum remains relevant, diverse, and aligned with educational goals. A collaborative committee of English teachers representing each site and grade level was formed to evaluate potential novels for inclusion. Each committee member thoroughly reviewed the proposed titles and provided feedback through a detailed scorecard. This scorecard was designed to assist the committee in assessing key criteria, including equity, inclusion, and the literary quality of each work. Following an in-depth review process, voting was conducted by teachers from the five high school sites, ensuring that the novels selected reflected the diverse needs and perspectives of our student population. In January 2024, the proposed novels were presented to the School Board during a study session. At that time, the Board requested additional information, and a secondary presentation was made in February 2025 for review. The following novels are now being submitted for adoption in the English courses across all grade levels: 9th Grade English Courses: American Like Me: Reflections on Life Between Cultures by America Ferrera (ISBN: 978-1501180910) Bronx Masquerade by Nikki Grimes (ISBN: 978-0803725690) March: Book One by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell (ISBN: 978-1603093002) Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi (ISBN: 978-1250170972) 10th Grade English Courses: Born a Crime by Trevor Noah (ISBN: 978-0399588198) March: Book Two by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell (ISBN: 978-1603094009) The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo (ISBN: 978-0062662811) The Midnight Library by Matt Haig (ISBN: 978-0525559474) 11th Grade English Courses: The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henriquez (ISBN: 978-0385350846) The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch (ISBN: 978-1-4013-2325-7) 12th Grade English Courses: Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson (ISBN: 978-0525580065) The Other Wes Moore by Wes Moore (ISBN: 978-0385528207) They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera (ISBN: 978-0062457790) Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens (ISBN: 978-0735219090) These novels have been carefully selected to provide students with diverse perspectives, promote empathy, and encourage critical thinking on important social and cultural issues. The District is confident that these titles will enrich the educational experience of our students, fostering a deeper understanding of both historical and contemporary challenges. If a parent or guardian prefers that their child not participate in reading a specific novel due to concerns about its content, they may submit an Opt-Out form. Upon receipt of the form, an alternative book will be assigned to the student.
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Funding:
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Recommendation:
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It is recommended that the Board of Trustees receive the English Novel Adoptions listed for its review and consideration.
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Approvals:
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Recommended By:
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Signed By:
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Dr. Shanna Egans - Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services
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Signed By:
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Dr. Jose Luis Araux - Superintendent
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