Recognition of the 2009 Elementary, Middle School, and Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Battle of the Books and High School Reading Rumble Champions (Elementary, Middle, High, Exceptional Student Education-Curriculum and Instruction Division)

The Battle of the Books began 15 years ago in Hillsborough County Public Schools with six schools competing in the first Elementary Battle of the Books. In 2005, the first Middle School Battle of the Books was held with 12 schools participating. In 2008, the first High School Reading Rumble, which is the high school version of the Battle of the Books, was held with five schools competing in the event. In 2005, Exceptional Student Education (ESE) held their first Battle of the Books with three schools participating. The Battle has grown over the years and this year there are students from over 144 elementary schools, 47 middle schools, 11 high schools, and 7 ESE centers participating.

Although Battle programs at each level are conducted differently, they share the common goal of getting as many students involved in reading as possible. At the elementary level students in grade 4 read the 15 elementary level Sunshine State Young Readers Award books, plus an additional three titles. Middle school students in grades 6 to 8 read the 15 middle school level Sunshine State Young Readers books and at the high school level, students in grades 9 to 12 read the 15 Florida Teen Reads Books. ESE students in grades 3 to 5 read 10 books. The students begin reading the books in the fall and continue until the spring when qualifying tests and battles take place.

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* Motivate students to become responsible learners

This agenda item is for recognition and has no financial impact on the district.