On Literature-Based Reading Instruction

1988 NCTE Annual Business Meeting in St. Louis, Missouri

Background Proposers of this resolution pointed to current research and theory in the learning and teaching of English supporting the use of literature—especially whole, meaningful works rather than excerpts or revisions—for developing student literacy. Educators and policymakers, they said, need to bring practice in literary instruction into harmony with current knowledge by shifting from basal reading systems to literature-based approaches. Be it therefore Resolution Resolved, that the National Council of Teachers of English commend those states that take educational initiatives encouraging the use of literature as primary material for literacy instruction;           that NCTE commend the California State Department of Education for taking such an initiative in English-Language Arts Framework for California Public Schools, Kindergarten through Grade Twelve; and           that NCTE support such initiatives through publications, conferences, and other activities.