A new law will require books and other materials to be rated and reviewed by vendors for sexual content before they can be sold to school libraries. Texas lawmakers warned A Midsummer Night's Dream, Of Mice and Men, The Canterbury Tales, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, the Bible and other classic works of literature could be restricted.
Library book challenges in Forsyth County Schools may have created a "hostile environment for students," Department of Education investigators said in the agency's first foray into the recent wave of book bans buffeting K12.
For instance, both librarians and teachers in Arkansas are subject to up to six years—or a $10,000 fine—if they provide what is considered to be obscene material, according to a newly enacted law that takes effect Aug. 1.
For nearly two years now, libraries in K12 and higher education have become a primary target for parent advocacy groups that seek to remove book titles that contain material not suitable for children and students.
Days after a Virginia school district superintendent proposed closing school libraries to address budgetary concerns, he has also ordered the removal of 14 books from school libraries, including two by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Toni Morrison.
The authors of bills in both legislative chambers say their bills' aim is simple: keeping sexually explicit content off school bookshelves. But opponents say the legislation is vague and broad enough to wreak havoc.
"Harmful" material, as defined in the bill, may "contain the exposure, in an obscene manner, of the unclothed or apparently unclothed human male or female genitals, pubic area, or buttocks or the female breast, or visual depictions of sexual acts or simulations of sexual acts, or explicit written descriptions of sexual acts."
Books deemed "sexually explicit" couldn't be sold to districts under the bill. The proposal would also require schools to get parental permission before a child could access "sexually relevant material" in the library.
Literacy success starts with a proper plan. And when in the classroom, having a solid foundation for tackling the new year is critical for student success. As your students progress and evolve throughout their literacy journey, your plan of action should adapt to their changing needs. On this episode of Literacy Matters, Cheryl Lundy Swift […]
The correlation is simple: Students who like and understand the material will be motivated to read more. A new report shows educators exactly which books are most popular by grade range.
