English 12 – Independent Reading Assignment
Keep this assignment handout in your notebook for future reference. The following details will provide you with the information you need for success on this year-long assignment.
Goal
•	Grow as a reader, regardless of your current status as a reader (avid, neutral, reluctant, etc.).
Requirements
•	Read a novel-length book of your choice for one to two hours per week.
•	Read 60 pages per week in a novel or non-fiction book that you choose.
•	I will provide you with 20 to 30 minutes of class time to read each week.
•	I will check your progress once per week (usually on Fridays).
•	If you miss your pages-per-week goal by more than 5 pages, you lose 10% of your Independent Reading assignment grade. 
•	Your Independent Reading assignment grade is worth 10% of your quarterly grade.
Other Details
•	You may read either fiction or non-fiction. However, the style must be narrative (no user’s manuals).
•	Read books that are at written at a 8th grade level or higher (no Harry Potter series, but Friday Night Lights works). 
o	See ratings at http://www.arbookfind.com/default.aspx (the “BL” rating is equivalent. 
•	Read books you haven’t read before. If you a read a book that is also a movie, read one that isn’t for your next book. You can alternate in this way throughout the year.
•	You may use books from any source: home, Sheridan’s library, the SHS media center, amazon.com etc.
•	You may not use books that are required reading for other classes.
•	Reading more than your required pages-per-week does not reduce your requirement for the next week.
•	A new Independent Reading assignment will be entered into the grade book each nine weeks.
•	Keep a list of books you have read in the back of your notebook.
Suggestions for Success
•	Read books about topics you like. 
•	Figure out what you don’t like. If you read 20 pages of a book and do not like it, try another book.
•	If you are busy, use the weekend to catch-up.