NCTE Resolutions Related to Recommended Reading Lists and Booklists

The English Curriculum: Reading and Literature

    Historically, through resolutions NCTE has encouraged the federal government to support programs to improved the teaching of English and reading, among them the National Right to Read Effort of the 1970s. NCTE members have called attention to the adverse effects on the teaching of reading of overemphasis on standardized testing. They have warned that stressing drill in decoding subskills can deny students the opportunity for sustained reading and discussion, and thus prevent students from developing their ability to comprehend what they read and find deeper meaning in literature. Accordingly, they have opposed heavy reliance on basal reading systems in elementary schools

    NCTE has called for increased student access to books and has a long history of opposition to censorship. NCTE committees are constantly at work developing new editions of the Council's annotated booklists, designed to encourage wide reading by students, both within the curriculum and for their own enjoyment and growth. 

    Since its founding, the Council has favored including a wide range of literature in the curriculum, not only recognized classics but also high-quality writing by recent and contemporary authors, both women and men. During the 1970s and 80s, NCTE Members passed resolutions urging that both publishers and designers of literature programs recognize the cultural diversity of the United States population by making works of minority authors available and including them in the curriculum at all levels of education. NCTE members  also urged (in a 1972 resolution) "that secondary school English teachers have preparation in and significant knowledge" of world literatures beyond those of the United States and Great Britain. 

• On Literature-Based Reading Instruction (1988)

• On the Study of Literature (1987)

Resolutions on Literature Programs for All Students

• On the Availability of Literature by Minority Writers (1986)

• On Ethnic Minorities in Teaching Materials (1985)

• On Native American Literature (1978)

• On Multicultural Curriculum Materials (1975)

Resolutions on Government-imposed Curriculum Mandates for English

NCTE has consistently urged that lawmakers and education officials consult teachers of English when drafting new laws or policies that can affect instructional programs and classroom teaching. It has warned that failure to draw on these teachers' professional knowledge can result in "reform" policies and programs that are counterproductive. 

• On Mandated Language Arts Instruction (1986)

• On Curriculum Development (1985)

• On Opposing Unilateral Curriculum Decisions by State Authorities (1974)