The 13th National American Association of School Librarians (AASL) conference held in Reno, NV was a fantastic experience. Daniel H. Pink, as the Keynote speaker for the Opening General Session, kept everyone’s attention focused on what the future can hold. Pink, author of A Whole New Mind - Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future discussed the rise of right-brain thinking in modern economics and explained the six abilities individuals and organizations must master in an outsourced and automated world. If you haven’t read the book yet, I suggest you do so! A record number of attendees packed the sessions that heavily emphasized Web 2.0 and its application to learning -- our culture and the changes in the world.
Reno as a destination was not necessarily where most would have chosen to vacation, but there were so many wonderful meaningful conference activities, that Reno’s presence became minimum. I heard lots of rumors of attendees who tried to “get rich quick” – and did —but just as quickly, lost it . But that’s what happens in a gambling town. The important thing was everyone had fun along with full days of enriching programming. Those that had the time to come early or extend their trip found Lake Tahoe a beautiful respite from gambling and the run down town of Reno.
Prior to the AASL Conference, AASL President, Sara Kelley Johns, AASL Board member Robbie Nickle and I were invited to the local NBC affiliate to talk with Sam Shade on libraries and NCLB. Here is the link to the video from Nevada Newsmakers. Scroll down to October 29 which was when the program was broadcast. Nevada NewsMakers - Oct 29 - Nov 1(7KB)
Even though this was an AASL conference, the content would bring exciting ideas and quality staff development to anyone attending. The sessions covered online learning to successful summer reading programs to collaboration, working with principals, and storytelling, including a session on NCLB presented by Emily Sheketoff, Melanie Anderson, both from the ALA Washington Office and myself. The PowerPoint and handouts from all the sessions are available at http://www.ala.org/aasl as well as the ability to purchase a CD of all the presentations. There were tours to schools and libraries in the area, as well as local attraction tours, preconferences, author sessions, a great bookstore and lots of vendors.
Did you happen to miss this one? – don’t let this opportunity pass again – make plans now to attend the 14th AASL conference November 5-8, 2009 in Charlotte, NC and then the 15th in Minneapolis, MN in November 2011. See you there!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Candidate for ALA President
I am deeply honored to announce that I am a candidate for President of the American Library Association. It is an honor to be nominated and I would work to serve the membership of ALA and all librarians. As an ALA member for 30 years I have a deep commitment to the ALA and feel I can make a significant contribution in advancing its mission and goals . My web site is under construction where my platform, complete biography and other areas will be available. For now the press release is on the ALA web site. http://www.ala.org/Template.cfm?Section=News&template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=167189 Please feel free to contact me through this blog or at lwilliams@aacps.org Thank you in advance for your support and please let me know your concerns and thoughts.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Time Out!
I have been away from my blog for a while, but my thoughts were still very much on school libraries and the SKILLs Act -- even while conquering Mount Everest -- or riding at lightening speed to get to an Areosmith concert -- which by the way were two of the best roller coaster rides I've taken! Yes, I was at Walt Disney World in Orlando enjoying being a kid and trick-or-treating at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. "Boo to You!" Now, back to reality!
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Why School Library Media Specialists Need to be in the Reauthorization of NCLB
Just within the last two days I received in my email three examples of how school librarians and school libraries -- not to mention our students -- are suffering at the hand of NCLB. We must continue to rally and tell our stories to Congress, so we will be included in the reauthorization of NCLB so this will STOP. I have omitted names and parts of the original text, but no change in the issue. If you read LM_Net or AASLForum, you have see the first example. To help with clarification, my words are in italics.
EXAMPLE 1
“. . .Title IIA, federal funds for Professional Development, will not pay for librarians' conferences or training. I recently applied for funding to go to AASL, . . .I am very unhappy about the situation. . . .21st Century Learning, which mediates Title IIA funds for the. . archdiocese sent my principal the following e-mail: “. . . I am not able to approve your request for Title IIA funds for the American Association of School Librarians Conference because Title IIA guidelines very specifically detail that the funds are to be used for sustained professional development for teachers and administrators. Training must be focused on improving student achievement in core academic areas or on improving instructional strategies or classroom management techniques. . .Perhaps it's time to send protests to your legislators. I certainly will. Perhaps you should do so too"
And here is the great response from a member of the AASL NCLB Task Force. "Thank you for this very real example of how teacher-librarians are affected by the provisions of NCLB. When you call your representatives to protest, make sure that you ask them to co-sponsor the SKILLs Act (HR 2864/S 1699). This legislation will amend NCLB to include teacher-librarians for consideration for Title IIA funding. As. . .stated, teacher-librarians are not currently considered part of the "core academic areas" and therefore ineligible for these funds under the current provisions of NCLB. The successful passage of the SKILLs Act will change this. Don't just protest, make sure you ask your reps to co-sponsor the SKILLs Act!"
Teacher-librarians might not be considered part of the "core academic areas" but the skills we teach and the collaboration we do with the core academic teachers certainly focus on improving student achievement in the core areas as in all areas of our students education. And even if not considered to be approved by that criteria the sessions at the AASL Conference in Reno the end of October, all focus on improving instructional strategies -- or even classroom management techniques. It is unbelievable that those making the decision do not understand this! Help us change this!
Example 2
"NCLB seems to be taking a toll on school library media specialist positions. The most recent disaster has been the dismantling of the Department of School Libraries in Pennsylvania. This Department was moved into the Pennsylvania State Library many years ago with school librarians kicking and screaming because it was no longer in Curriculum and Instruction. However, the State Library in PA is a part of the Department of Education and they were able to mix ESEA and LSTA funds to do marvelous things like hire additional staff using LSTA funds.The Department grew exercising strong leadership under first Doris Epler (who helped create the state-wide database for all types of libraries) and then John Emerick who worked to create the Power Library. Their resource center was one of the finest in the nation. A governor's (former mayor of Philadelphia) made an appointment of a State Education Department Director who saw how good the resource center was to answer questions and moved the staff into his public relations department. Only one other person remains and they aren't sure this person will be able to go out to libraries as the staff have been doing previously. Only one person is left to go out to talk with superintendents and principals when they decide to do without a school librarian."
Having known John Emerick and worked with some outstanding school library media specialists in Pennsylvania, I know what the Department has been able to accomplished in the past years. It appears that Pennsylvania like many other states is doing away with the school library media department -- or making it so small that it is extremely ineffective. Evidence of the lack of understanding of what school libraries and school librarians do to increase student achievement and improve reading skills. Without being in NCLB we are looked at as an easy place to cut budgets to apply to what is mandated.
Example 3
"In California, a recent discussion has revolved around a principal who put the reading teacher in charge of the elementary school library -- not even with a library technician. The reading teacher immediately rearranged the library by Accelerated Reader levels.
This is happening more and more. Many school libraries are operated by someone without a degree -- a parent volunteer or an aide. NCLB calls for literacy coaches as well as technology people -- both of which fall into the arena of school library media specialists -- yet others are being hired with little to no recognition of the work school library media specialists do to increase student achievement.
EXAMPLE 1
“. . .Title IIA, federal funds for Professional Development, will not pay for librarians' conferences or training. I recently applied for funding to go to AASL, . . .I am very unhappy about the situation. . . .21st Century Learning, which mediates Title IIA funds for the. . archdiocese sent my principal the following e-mail: “. . . I am not able to approve your request for Title IIA funds for the American Association of School Librarians Conference because Title IIA guidelines very specifically detail that the funds are to be used for sustained professional development for teachers and administrators. Training must be focused on improving student achievement in core academic areas or on improving instructional strategies or classroom management techniques. . .Perhaps it's time to send protests to your legislators. I certainly will. Perhaps you should do so too"
And here is the great response from a member of the AASL NCLB Task Force. "Thank you for this very real example of how teacher-librarians are affected by the provisions of NCLB. When you call your representatives to protest, make sure that you ask them to co-sponsor the SKILLs Act (HR 2864/S 1699). This legislation will amend NCLB to include teacher-librarians for consideration for Title IIA funding. As. . .stated, teacher-librarians are not currently considered part of the "core academic areas" and therefore ineligible for these funds under the current provisions of NCLB. The successful passage of the SKILLs Act will change this. Don't just protest, make sure you ask your reps to co-sponsor the SKILLs Act!"
Teacher-librarians might not be considered part of the "core academic areas" but the skills we teach and the collaboration we do with the core academic teachers certainly focus on improving student achievement in the core areas as in all areas of our students education. And even if not considered to be approved by that criteria the sessions at the AASL Conference in Reno the end of October, all focus on improving instructional strategies -- or even classroom management techniques. It is unbelievable that those making the decision do not understand this! Help us change this!
Example 2
"NCLB seems to be taking a toll on school library media specialist positions. The most recent disaster has been the dismantling of the Department of School Libraries in Pennsylvania. This Department was moved into the Pennsylvania State Library many years ago with school librarians kicking and screaming because it was no longer in Curriculum and Instruction. However, the State Library in PA is a part of the Department of Education and they were able to mix ESEA and LSTA funds to do marvelous things like hire additional staff using LSTA funds.The Department grew exercising strong leadership under first Doris Epler (who helped create the state-wide database for all types of libraries) and then John Emerick who worked to create the Power Library. Their resource center was one of the finest in the nation. A governor's (former mayor of Philadelphia) made an appointment of a State Education Department Director who saw how good the resource center was to answer questions and moved the staff into his public relations department. Only one other person remains and they aren't sure this person will be able to go out to libraries as the staff have been doing previously. Only one person is left to go out to talk with superintendents and principals when they decide to do without a school librarian."
Having known John Emerick and worked with some outstanding school library media specialists in Pennsylvania, I know what the Department has been able to accomplished in the past years. It appears that Pennsylvania like many other states is doing away with the school library media department -- or making it so small that it is extremely ineffective. Evidence of the lack of understanding of what school libraries and school librarians do to increase student achievement and improve reading skills. Without being in NCLB we are looked at as an easy place to cut budgets to apply to what is mandated.
Example 3
"In California, a recent discussion has revolved around a principal who put the reading teacher in charge of the elementary school library -- not even with a library technician. The reading teacher immediately rearranged the library by Accelerated Reader levels.
This is happening more and more. Many school libraries are operated by someone without a degree -- a parent volunteer or an aide. NCLB calls for literacy coaches as well as technology people -- both of which fall into the arena of school library media specialists -- yet others are being hired with little to no recognition of the work school library media specialists do to increase student achievement.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Advocacy for School Libraries and Librarians
Just a few weeks ago, I received an email from a school librarian who had just re-read my Jan/Feb 2006 AASL Presidential Column in Knowledge Quest, Advocacy: The First Step in Achieving it ALL. (www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aaslpubsandjournals/kqweb/kqarchives/volume34/34-3_Williams.pdf) She expressed her frustration with the lack of success we as school librarians have had in changing our status, regardless of the amount of personal advocacy attempts and successes. I have to agree with her. Since the publication of the first Information Power, some twenty years ago, we have been trying to get teachers, administrators and Boards of Education to realize the difference we make in student achievement, and recognize school library media specialists as vital and integral to the instructional process. Yes, we have made a few inroads, but certainly not a unified understanding and acceptance. What is it we need to do?
The fact that "there is still no place in administrators' education where the role and actualization of LMS's on student learning is addressed." or the "disparity across the nation in state education regulations concerning LMS's and LMC's. Our own profession is distracted by arguing about the educational and certification requirements of LMS's" These are all things that contribute to the lack of understanding, but regardless of the amount of time and effort, we need to consistently advocate for our profession and the difference we make in the education of our students. This is why the impending legislation regarding the reauthorization of NCLB is so important to school libraries and librarians. It takes ALL of us working together to get something accomplished -- whether it is the legislation or recognition of school libraries ad librarians in our own state or district. We cannot continue to sit back and let others do it for us -- those who never let up and are always trying to make a difference cannot do it by themselves. many say what can I do, one voice won't make a difference -- but one voice CAN make a difference -- one voice is important, but to turn the perspective it takes all of us together. And we need to think out of our own area. Get other groups to speak for us -- on our behalf. Broaden your sphere of influence and get it to work for you. But regardless, we cannot give up !
The fact that "there is still no place in administrators' education where the role and actualization of LMS's on student learning is addressed." or the "disparity across the nation in state education regulations concerning LMS's and LMC's. Our own profession is distracted by arguing about the educational and certification requirements of LMS's" These are all things that contribute to the lack of understanding, but regardless of the amount of time and effort, we need to consistently advocate for our profession and the difference we make in the education of our students. This is why the impending legislation regarding the reauthorization of NCLB is so important to school libraries and librarians. It takes ALL of us working together to get something accomplished -- whether it is the legislation or recognition of school libraries ad librarians in our own state or district. We cannot continue to sit back and let others do it for us -- those who never let up and are always trying to make a difference cannot do it by themselves. many say what can I do, one voice won't make a difference -- but one voice CAN make a difference -- one voice is important, but to turn the perspective it takes all of us together. And we need to think out of our own area. Get other groups to speak for us -- on our behalf. Broaden your sphere of influence and get it to work for you. But regardless, we cannot give up !
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Committee for Educational Funding - Gala 2007 Banquet
I had the pleasure of attending the Committee for Education Funding Gala 2007 Banquet last night. What a wonderful opportunity to network with people and organizations that deal with education. The Gala sponsors included the American Federation of Teachers, the National Education Association, the Student Aid Alliance, National Association of Private Special Education Centers, National School Boards Association, The College Board, with a long list of table sponsors, and contributors. More than ever, it brought to light that we need to reach out to all educational organizations and tell them our story and get their support for school libraries. Having them speak on our behalf to Congress does our cause a world of good. It is the type of strong support we need. So reach out and contact anyone in the education arena that can help us.
The theme of the Gala was "When Our Students Succeed, Our Nation Succeeds". Three Awards were presented:
The Charles Wilson Lee Citizen Service Award "for distinguished public service in support of education as an investment in America's children, youth and adults" was presented to Former President George H.W. Bush and Former President William Jefferson Clinton for the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund.
The William H. Natcher Distinguished Service Award, "for distinguished service during the 110th Congress in elevating the priority for education funding to ensure better opportunities for our nation's citizens" was presented to The Honorable Dave Obey, US House of Representatives from Wisconsin's 7th District and the Honorable Jim Walsh, US House of Representatives from New York's 25th District.
The Outstanding New Member Award, "for demonstrating commitment to our nation's students by advocating education as an investment in the future" was awarded to the Honorable John Yarmuth, US House of Representatives from Kentucky's 3rd District.
The theme of the Gala was "When Our Students Succeed, Our Nation Succeeds". Three Awards were presented:
The Charles Wilson Lee Citizen Service Award "for distinguished public service in support of education as an investment in America's children, youth and adults" was presented to Former President George H.W. Bush and Former President William Jefferson Clinton for the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund.
The William H. Natcher Distinguished Service Award, "for distinguished service during the 110th Congress in elevating the priority for education funding to ensure better opportunities for our nation's citizens" was presented to The Honorable Dave Obey, US House of Representatives from Wisconsin's 7th District and the Honorable Jim Walsh, US House of Representatives from New York's 25th District.
The Outstanding New Member Award, "for demonstrating commitment to our nation's students by advocating education as an investment in the future" was awarded to the Honorable John Yarmuth, US House of Representatives from Kentucky's 3rd District.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
PLEASE!! Continue Contacting Your Senators and Representative
Please continue to contact your Senators and Representatives to cosign the SKILLs Act so the support will help us get the amendment into the NCLB. We have only another week to do so!!
Please take action and pass this on to anyone -- school librarians -- teachers -- administrators -- parents -- even students. We have one and only one window of opportunity to make a difference and get the legislation in our favor. Please contact your Senators and Representatives NOW!!!! Please join together and send in a flood of calls, letters -- just contact them!!
I am copying below the information about the SKILLs Act and also talking points to use when contacting Congress. Thank you so much for your help! Our students -- the leaders of tomorrow -- will also thank you!
088September 11, 2007
Only TWO WEEKS Left to Save School Libraries
We need your help – ALL LIBRARIANS AND LIBRARY ADVOCATES – to ensure the inclusion of the Strengthening Kids’ Interest in Learning and Libraries (SKILLs) Act in the reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). This is the single most important piece of legislation concerning school libraries that will come before Congress this year. Reauthorization of this bill is critical to the future of school libraries.
On September 24, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education and Labor will be considering reauthorization of the NCLB. In order for the SKILLs Act to be included in NCLB – that is, to place a state-certified school library media specialist in every school – each member of the House must co-sponsor the SKILLS Act.
There is little more than two weeks to accomplish this goal and the name of your Representative must appear on this bill. If your Representative’s name does not appear as a co-sponsor, please call his/her office immediately and request that he/she support the SKILLs Act. If your Representative’s name DOES appear on this bill, contact his/her office and thank him/her for the continued support of school libraries and school library media specialists.
Sponsors:
Raul Grijalva (AZ-7)Vernon Ehlers (MI-3)
Co-Sponsors:
Bart Gordon (TN-6)Tim Holden (PA-17)Steve Cohen (TN-9)James McGovern (MA-3)
When contacting your Representative prepare yourself to state why this issue is of critical importance:
The SKILLs Act
*Requires school districts, to the extent feasible, to ensure that every school within the district employs at least one state-certified school library media specialist in each school library;
*Defines state-certified school library media specialists as those who have a bachelor’s degree and have obtained full state certification as a school library media specialist or passed the state teacher licensing examination, with state certification in library media in such state;
*Establishes as a state goal that there be at least one state-certified school library media specialist in every public school no later than the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year;
*Broadens the focus of training, professional development, and recruitment activities to include school library media specialists;
*Ensures that funds will serve elementary, middle, and high school students;
*Requires books and materials to be appropriate for and engage the interest of students in all grade levels and students with special learning needs, including English language learners.
Talking Points
*Multiple studies have affirmed that there is a clear link between school library media programs that are staffed by a school library media specialist and student academic achievement. Across the United States, research has shown that students in schools with good school libraries learn more, get better grades, and score higher on standardized test scores than their peers in schools without libraries.
*Academic Librarians: School libraries are KEY to ensuring college readiness.
*Public Librarians: School library media specialists give students the skills they need to utilize your library to its fullest extent.
*Long regarded as the cornerstone of the school community, school libraries are no longer just for books. Instead, they have become sophisticated 21st century learning environments offering a full range of print and electronic resources that provide equal learning opportunities to all students, regardless of the socio-economic or education levels of the community – but only when they are staffed by school library media specialists trained to collaborate with teachers and engage students meaningfully with information that matters to them both in the classroom and in the real world.
*Only about 60 percent of our school libraries have a full-time, state-certified school library media specialist on staff.
*With limited funding and an increased focus on school performance, administrators are trying to stretch dollars and cut funds across various programs to ensure that maximum resources are dedicated to improving student academic achievement.
*Because NCLB does not highlight the direct correlation between school library media specialists and increased student academic achievement, library resource budgets are increasingly being used to mitigate the effects of budgetary shortfalls.
Send a letter or fax to Congress
U.S. Capitol switchboard 202-225-3121
Please take action and pass this on to anyone -- school librarians -- teachers -- administrators -- parents -- even students. We have one and only one window of opportunity to make a difference and get the legislation in our favor. Please contact your Senators and Representatives NOW!!!! Please join together and send in a flood of calls, letters -- just contact them!!
I am copying below the information about the SKILLs Act and also talking points to use when contacting Congress. Thank you so much for your help! Our students -- the leaders of tomorrow -- will also thank you!
088September 11, 2007
Only TWO WEEKS Left to Save School Libraries
We need your help – ALL LIBRARIANS AND LIBRARY ADVOCATES – to ensure the inclusion of the Strengthening Kids’ Interest in Learning and Libraries (SKILLs) Act in the reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). This is the single most important piece of legislation concerning school libraries that will come before Congress this year. Reauthorization of this bill is critical to the future of school libraries.
On September 24, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education and Labor will be considering reauthorization of the NCLB. In order for the SKILLs Act to be included in NCLB – that is, to place a state-certified school library media specialist in every school – each member of the House must co-sponsor the SKILLS Act.
There is little more than two weeks to accomplish this goal and the name of your Representative must appear on this bill. If your Representative’s name does not appear as a co-sponsor, please call his/her office immediately and request that he/she support the SKILLs Act. If your Representative’s name DOES appear on this bill, contact his/her office and thank him/her for the continued support of school libraries and school library media specialists.
Sponsors:
Raul Grijalva (AZ-7)Vernon Ehlers (MI-3)
Co-Sponsors:
Bart Gordon (TN-6)Tim Holden (PA-17)Steve Cohen (TN-9)James McGovern (MA-3)
When contacting your Representative prepare yourself to state why this issue is of critical importance:
The SKILLs Act
*Requires school districts, to the extent feasible, to ensure that every school within the district employs at least one state-certified school library media specialist in each school library;
*Defines state-certified school library media specialists as those who have a bachelor’s degree and have obtained full state certification as a school library media specialist or passed the state teacher licensing examination, with state certification in library media in such state;
*Establishes as a state goal that there be at least one state-certified school library media specialist in every public school no later than the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year;
*Broadens the focus of training, professional development, and recruitment activities to include school library media specialists;
*Ensures that funds will serve elementary, middle, and high school students;
*Requires books and materials to be appropriate for and engage the interest of students in all grade levels and students with special learning needs, including English language learners.
Talking Points
*Multiple studies have affirmed that there is a clear link between school library media programs that are staffed by a school library media specialist and student academic achievement. Across the United States, research has shown that students in schools with good school libraries learn more, get better grades, and score higher on standardized test scores than their peers in schools without libraries.
*Academic Librarians: School libraries are KEY to ensuring college readiness.
*Public Librarians: School library media specialists give students the skills they need to utilize your library to its fullest extent.
*Long regarded as the cornerstone of the school community, school libraries are no longer just for books. Instead, they have become sophisticated 21st century learning environments offering a full range of print and electronic resources that provide equal learning opportunities to all students, regardless of the socio-economic or education levels of the community – but only when they are staffed by school library media specialists trained to collaborate with teachers and engage students meaningfully with information that matters to them both in the classroom and in the real world.
*Only about 60 percent of our school libraries have a full-time, state-certified school library media specialist on staff.
*With limited funding and an increased focus on school performance, administrators are trying to stretch dollars and cut funds across various programs to ensure that maximum resources are dedicated to improving student academic achievement.
*Because NCLB does not highlight the direct correlation between school library media specialists and increased student academic achievement, library resource budgets are increasingly being used to mitigate the effects of budgetary shortfalls.
Send a letter or fax to Congress
U.S. Capitol switchboard 202-225-3121
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
HAIL TO THE REDSKINS!
Well, it can never be all work and no play!! What a fantastic victory for the Washington Redskins over their division rival the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night national television. The previous years' records of losses to Philly made this victory at their home all the sweeter! The awesome defense held them to field goals -- no touchdowns!!! We are 2-0, Philly is 0-2. What a great way to start the season. The Giants, also a division rival and with a starting record of 0-2, come to town on Sunday evening. Could we be celebrating a 3-0 start on Monday morning? The fans are getting excited about a great and winning season -- now how do the playoff games conflict with ALA Midwinter??? Going to get out the January 08 calendar and start planning! Hmm, with Midwinter in Philadelphia, I could take the train down and back if the playoffs are at home!!
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Have you contacted your Senators and Representative Yet?
In this hectic and ultra busy world we live in, it is so easy to say "yes -- I'm going to do that", and then there is a distraction. Please, help us save school libraries and provide our students with the resources and education they need to survive in the 21st Century. If you have put off contacting your Senators or Representative --DO SO NOW!! If you have already contacted them, contact them again and ask them if they have signed on to cosponsor the SKILLs Act.
We need your help to ensure the inclusion of the Strengthening Kids’ Interest in Learning and Libraries (SKILLs) Act in the reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB).
This is the single most important piece of legislation concerning school libraries that will come before Congress this year. Reauthorization of this bill is critical to the future of school libraries.
We have such a short time frame to get our mission accomplished. It is so simple -- go to http://capwiz.com/ala/issues/alert/?alertid=10223941 Type in your zip code and your Representative and Senators will appear, you can click on whether you want to send an email or letter and fill out the info and it is done -- and you have helped!! Thank you for doing so -- all school librarians will thank you!.
We need your help to ensure the inclusion of the Strengthening Kids’ Interest in Learning and Libraries (SKILLs) Act in the reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB).
This is the single most important piece of legislation concerning school libraries that will come before Congress this year. Reauthorization of this bill is critical to the future of school libraries.
We have such a short time frame to get our mission accomplished. It is so simple -- go to http://capwiz.com/ala/issues/alert/?alertid=10223941 Type in your zip code and your Representative and Senators will appear, you can click on whether you want to send an email or letter and fill out the info and it is done -- and you have helped!! Thank you for doing so -- all school librarians will thank you!.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
TWO WEEKS LEFT TO SAVE SCHOOL LIBRARIES
Just as I was about to create a post on this critical time for school libraries, Sylvia Norton, AASL Division Councilor posted this message to the ALA Council listserv. It was so well written that I am posting it rather than creating my own. It deserves your attention!!!
"Ever realize that this is a critical turning point for something you really care about? Well, the next two weeks is a turning point for those who care about kids and libraries. We are in a critical two week period to enlist members of the House to sign on as co-sponsors for the Strengthening Kids’ Interest in Learning and Libraries (SKILLs) Act. At Annual in DC the Council unanimously adopted the resolution on No Child Left Behind. Now is the time to demonstrate your support for inclusion of the Strengthening Kids’ Interest in Learning and Libraries (SKILLs) Act in the reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) by contacting your Representative.
The sad reality is school librarians were overlooked in NCLB. Sure, in my work as a state level school library coordinator you can hear me advocate that the library media specialist is included as NCLB focuses on reading, literacy and using technology. I know that means library media specialists are needed to select books, collaborate with classroom teachers, instruct how to find quality online information, and all the other work in a school library program which ensures students are effective users of ideas and information. Many of the schools I see, however, are hiring a literacy specialist to select books for classroom libraries and a technology integrator to show how to evaluate websites on their laptops. Those can be valuable positions in a school, but library media specialists are being left behind to the detriment of our students. Without the specific mention of “library media specialist” in NCLB, too many of our school libraries are being left as stagnant collections without qualified staff. As Congress moves towards NCLB reauthorization it is crucial that school library media specialists are included.
This is the single most important piece of legislation concerning school libraries that will come before Congress this year. Reauthorization of this bill is critical to the future of school libraries. Our 21st century kids with laptops need to see dynamic school libraries and library media specialists or libraries in general may eventually be left behind. Congress needs to hear from librarians, teachers, administrators, parents, and anyone who sees a school library media specialist as critical to learning. Effective school library programs make a difference for students. All of us who believe that libraries make a difference in our lives need to support the SKILLS Act.
Please contact your Representative and ask him or her to sign on as a co-sponsor of the Strengthening Kids’ Interest in Learning and Libraries (SKILLs) Act in the reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB).
The ALA Washington Office has included talking points for public and academic librarians as part of its action alert.
For more contact information and talking points go to:
http://capwiz.com/ala/issues/alert/?alertid=10223941
Thanks,
Sylvia
"Ever realize that this is a critical turning point for something you really care about? Well, the next two weeks is a turning point for those who care about kids and libraries. We are in a critical two week period to enlist members of the House to sign on as co-sponsors for the Strengthening Kids’ Interest in Learning and Libraries (SKILLs) Act. At Annual in DC the Council unanimously adopted the resolution on No Child Left Behind. Now is the time to demonstrate your support for inclusion of the Strengthening Kids’ Interest in Learning and Libraries (SKILLs) Act in the reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) by contacting your Representative.
The sad reality is school librarians were overlooked in NCLB. Sure, in my work as a state level school library coordinator you can hear me advocate that the library media specialist is included as NCLB focuses on reading, literacy and using technology. I know that means library media specialists are needed to select books, collaborate with classroom teachers, instruct how to find quality online information, and all the other work in a school library program which ensures students are effective users of ideas and information. Many of the schools I see, however, are hiring a literacy specialist to select books for classroom libraries and a technology integrator to show how to evaluate websites on their laptops. Those can be valuable positions in a school, but library media specialists are being left behind to the detriment of our students. Without the specific mention of “library media specialist” in NCLB, too many of our school libraries are being left as stagnant collections without qualified staff. As Congress moves towards NCLB reauthorization it is crucial that school library media specialists are included.
This is the single most important piece of legislation concerning school libraries that will come before Congress this year. Reauthorization of this bill is critical to the future of school libraries. Our 21st century kids with laptops need to see dynamic school libraries and library media specialists or libraries in general may eventually be left behind. Congress needs to hear from librarians, teachers, administrators, parents, and anyone who sees a school library media specialist as critical to learning. Effective school library programs make a difference for students. All of us who believe that libraries make a difference in our lives need to support the SKILLS Act.
Please contact your Representative and ask him or her to sign on as a co-sponsor of the Strengthening Kids’ Interest in Learning and Libraries (SKILLs) Act in the reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB).
The ALA Washington Office has included talking points for public and academic librarians as part of its action alert.
For more contact information and talking points go to:
http://capwiz.com/ala/issues/alert/?alertid=10223941
Thanks,
Sylvia
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