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High Schools Ditch Novels: Shorter Reads Win Amid Testing Pressures

1/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A New York Times survey shows many high schools no longer assign full novels, instead using excerpts read on laptops.
The shift is linked to shorter attention spans and pressures from standardized testing.
Some teachers resist the trend by continuing to assign complete books.
The article argues that reading full novels supports growth and cites studies showing children with books at home achieve better outcomes.

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Story summary

A New York Times survey shows many high schools no longer assign full novels, instead using excerpts read on laptops.
The shift is linked to shorter attention spans and pressures from standardized testing.
Some teachers resist the trend by continuing to assign complete books.
The article argues that reading full novels supports growth and cites studies showing children with books at home achieve better outcomes.