Recognition of the 2008 Elementary, Middle School, and Exceptional Student Education Battle of the Books and High School Reading Rumble Champions. (Curriculum and Instruction Division)

The Battle of the Books began 14 years ago in Hillsborough County Public Schools with 6 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 5 schools competing in the event. In 2005 Exceptional Student Education (ESE) held their first Battle of the Books with 3 schools participating. The Battle has grown over the years and this year there are students from over 135 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 3 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 is no additional cost to the District.

Records will be kept on the number of students and schools participating in the Elementary, Middle School, and ESE Battle of the Books and the High School Reading Rumble. These numbers will be reported to the Board as a part of next year's recognition.