SCOTTS VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Board Meeting: May 13, 2014
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES APPROVE INSTRUCTIONAL
MATERIALS DESCRIBED IN A STAFF REPORT OF NEW NOVELS AND OTHER READING
MATERIALS TO BE USED IN HIGH SCHOOL ENGLISH COURSES FROM SOPHOMORE TO
SENIOR LEVELS AND HONORS AND IB ENGLISH COURSES.
BACKGROUND: The International Baccalaureate (IBO) Organization requires a periodic review and
change to the novels and other reading materials used in the IB English HL1 and
HL2 courses. As it prepares students for IB, readings used in the Honors English 2
course are also being reviewed.
As an IB School, we need to a focus on international mindedness and cultural
awareness, which necessitates a review of books used in the sophomore through
senior college preparatory courses. We also want to include texts that are high
interest readings for reluctant readers.
The high school English Department requests the review and approval from the
school board of the following novels to be used beginning with the 2014-2015
school year. The presentation will include the new books and the process for
determining the changes.
DESCRIPTION
DETAILS:
The English Department Proposals for Approval & Purchase:
Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card – English II ($850)
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak – English II ($850)
A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare – English II ($505)
The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida – English II ($165)
The Fault in Our Stars by J. Greene – English III & IV ($105)
Into the Wild by John Krakauer – English II-IV ($105)
Q&A (Slumdog Millionaire) by Vikas Swarp – English III & IV ($52)
Tortilla Curtain by T.C. Boyle – English III & IV – ($52)
The English Department Proposals for Approval (no purchase required):
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch – English III
Bless Me Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya – English IV
David Sedaris nonfiction essays (selections) – IB English, year 1
Eavan Boland poetry (selections) – IB English, Year 1
FISCAL
IMPACT:
$ 2,684.00
Prepared By:
Penny Weaver, Superintendent and Valerie Bariteau, Principal
Item Proposed for:
Action