To be effective, elective English must be more than reading new literature and discarding the old. Instead, it should include reading the old and the new, and sharing these experiences through discussion and writing. It should also include looking and listening at films, tapes, and records to analyze what has been seen and heard. Before deciding to offer English as an elective, teachers should decide why they want it as an elective and offer a rationale for it. The elective program can meet the needs and interests of a multi-ability and multi-character school, and provide a variety of opportunities to use books and media to teach the English language. Teachers should establish a philosophy for the elective program to determine its structure and goals and should then work to reach these goals. Elective programs must incorporate new and invigorating teaching methods which aim at getting students involved. (SW)