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Carlisle committee previews overhaul of 7–12 English curriculum and two book approvals
Summary
District staff presented a comprehensive revision of grades 7–12 English language arts that centers instruction on five 'collections' per grade, increased in‑class reading and writing, and new expectations for summative writing; the committee was also asked to approve two texts (When Stars Are Scattered for 7th grade and Long Way Down for 9th grade) at the upcoming board vote.
The Carlisle Area School District’s education committee heard a detailed presentation on proposed revisions to the grades 7–12 English language arts curriculum and review of two proposed texts.
Miss Moyer and Mrs. McGeean led the presentation, describing a framework built around five "collections" for each grade band: three literary‑analysis collections, one research/argumentation collection, and one narrative collection. The presenters said the change is intended to strengthen vertical alignment across the district so students experience a coherent K–12 literacy continuum.
"This has definitely been a labor of love," Miss Moyer told the committee, summarizing months and years of work with classroom teachers and department leaders. Presenters underscored a renewed emphasis on full‑length mentor and core texts, clarified priority versus supporting standards, and defined grade‑level expectations for summative writing assignments (narrative, research essay, formal literary analysis and comparative or rhetorical work).
The team also discussed instructional responses to artificial‑intelligence tools: they said the curriculum shifts some high‑stakes reading and writing into monitored, in‑class settings so teachers can verify student work and emphasize authentic writing process and conferencing.
Presenters explained plans to refine grammar instruction and vocabulary across grade bands, including piloting teacher‑friendly grammar resources and building thematic vocabulary lists aligned to each collection. The curriculum documents on the district agenda manager include a continuum that maps learning goals and pacing from grade 7 through 12.
On texts, the presenters recommended adding two titles: the graphic novel When Stars Are Scattered for seventh grade and Jason Reynolds’s Long Way Down (a novel in verse) for ninth grade, both slated as additions rather than replacements. Miss Moyer said Long Way Down would be used as a mentor text for craft and structure in the narrative strand.
Committee members asked about equity of access, the role of honors sections, and whether teacher discretion would allow different classes to select different approved texts; presenters confirmed teachers maintain choice within the approved list. Several board members praised the focus on depth over breadth and asked administration to continue vetting grammar resources and ensure supports for new and early‑career teachers.
The curriculum revisions and book approvals were presented for committee review; staff told the committee the formal board approvals are scheduled at an upcoming board meeting.
