Changing the High School Core Literature
Graduation Date
Spring 2001
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program Name
Education
Program Director
Madalienne F. Peters, EdD
Abstract
This study examines the core literature in our high school book rooms. Has the core literature changed over time with changing demographics? The review of the literature established the existence of a core literature, and that most high school students read from a fairly small list of books. The literature review reveals that students are not happy with the book selections and teachers are having a hard time keeping students engaged in the reading material. Department heads of English programs at two Northern California schools participated in an interview about the core literature. Their responses indicated that although some schools are given a significant amount of variety concerning their book lists, schools are forced to cover so much material that they only have time to teach what is required.