Board approves renaming high‑school American Novel course to 'World Novel'
Summary
The board approved a curriculum revision to shift the Grade 11 honors course from an American‑centered novel focus to a broader 'World Novel' approach, citing curriculum alignment with Grade 10 American Studies and minimal cost impact to existing budgets.
The Middletown Board of Education voted to revise the high‑school Grade 11 honors literature course, changing the course name and emphasis from American Novel to World Novel.
Curriculum staff presented the proposal as a response to updated Grade 10 offerings (including a relaunched co‑taught American Studies course) and identified overlap between current tenth‑ and eleventh‑grade texts. The presenters said the change would broaden the junior‑year novel study to include a wider, international selection while preserving Connecticut Core Standards and SAT preparation. They emphasized the update would not require additional district funding and that most needed texts are available in the department’s collection. “This is not a request for any additional funding,” a presenter said.
Board members asked about coordination with social studies and whether world literature exposure was sufficient across grades; presenters said ninth‑grade courses and other electives already provide substantial world literature exposure and that the revised junior course would better dovetail with tenth‑grade and senior electives. The board moved, seconded and approved the course revision by voice vote with no recorded opposition.
The change will be implemented by the English department, which will monitor outcomes through standard measures (PSAT/SAT results, school rubrics and student course evaluations) as the curriculum team evaluates student growth and adjusts instruction.
