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English Literature and Composition
AP Annual Conference Submission
Sheridan Steelman
AP Literature teacher
Northview High School
After the 2018 exam, Trevor Packer tweeted advice relative to low AP Literature scores: “reduce the # of novels/plays; focus on frequent short analyses” (@AP_Trevor). Despite long-held beliefs about primarily using whole-class novels, AP Literature teachers now seek strategies for using numerous shorter texts to increase student engagement and skill. This presentation provides alternatives to the whole-class novel, strategies and curriculum that support close-reading pedagogy with increased exposure to excerpted works. To foster the growth of confident and capable readers, I have set forth processes for using genre-based selections to help students navigate increasingly difficult text and theme-based excerpts to examine historical and cultural issues. Participants will explore lessons, practice methods, and share thinking about how the strategic use of numerous and varied texts benefits all students: reading volume and stamina increase; literary analysis and test scores improve.