Congressional Hearings on the SKILLS ACT

On October 17, 2011, the American School Library Association (AASL) held a congressional briefing in Washington, DC on "Education Reform and the SKILLS ACT: An Analysis of 21st Century School Librarians and Their Impact on Career and College Readiness".  Presentations were in conjunction with Representative Rush Holt (NJ) and Senator Jack Reed (RI).  


A number of speakers brief members of Congress at Congressional Hearings on the SKILLS ACT: 

• Carl Harvey, school librarian, North Elementary School (Ind.), AASL president
• Donna L. Haye, assistant superintendent, Atlantic City Public Schools (N.J.), an AASL Distinguished School Administrator
• William A. Mayer, university librarian, American University (D.C.), international speaker and leader on the changing face of services in libraries
• Kathy Mortimer, parent from Henrico County Public Schools (Va.) an AASL National School Library Program of the Year
• Connie Williams, National Board Certified Teacher Librarian, Petaluma High School (Calif.), AASL legislative committee chair

The AASL has created a number of supporting documents and videos on the briefings at http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/aaslissues/advocacy/briefing.cfm

The bottom line is that there is an important role for strong school libraries from elementary through college, if we want our students to be effective and creative users of information in class, college and careers.  Dollars for job creation should be directed to schools for strengthening school library teams, providing more student access to school libraries and teacher librarians.  It makes sense when you know the story of what 21st century school libraries look like.  See the AASL Standards for 21st Century Learners and individual state standards such as California's Model School Library Standards.

School Library Language for Legislators - article by Christie Kaaland

School Library Monthly has a timely article by Dr. Christie Kaaland on advocacy messages for legislators, depending on legislator background and issues.  The article title is "School Library Language for Legislators."

Federal Funding for IMLS

Good news for the holidays!

American Libraries reporter Beverly Goldberg writes: “There was a bit of a holiday-season miracle over the past week: the bipartisan passage of the Museum and Library Services Act in both the House and Senate. This demonstrates that the library is the one institution that exists to serve everyone. Simple as that. But keep your eyes open for savvy allies to join the fray as the importance of libraries becomes personal for them. For example, the November launch of the School Library Exchange, a free online clearinghouse where individuals can post their school libraries’ collection-development wish lists for potential donors to see—and act upon, hopefully.”... AL: Inside Scoop, Dec. 15; ALA Washington Office, Dec. 14

Librarians Call Washington Legislators

The American Library Association's Washington Office, the American Association of School Librarians, and state library associations are asking librarians to call their legislators and advocate for legislation that is critical for school and public libraries:

• reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act,
  
• $100 million in appropriations for Improving Literacy through Schools, and
  
• funding for the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA)

If you haven't already called or written your legislative representatives, or are not sure who they are, click here. Act now!

Washington School Teacher Librarians

Education reform is a series of battles. Some are won, some are lost, and some take a long time to make a difference. Defining teacher librarians as a core component of basic education is battle won. So is a set of school library standards (California now has the go-ahead to work on library standards).

The economy is taking its toll on education reform and other battles. For example, this just arrived from American Libraries Online: "Basic education reform came to the state of Washington May 19 with the signing by Gov. Christine Gregoire of a bill (PDF file) that adds a credentialed, but not necessarily funded, teacher-librarian in every K–12 school to the definition of what constitutes a basic education. The timing was wrought with irony, however: Several weeks earlier lawmakers had responded to the nation’s ongoing economic crisis by slashing $1 billion in state aid to education for FY2010, triggering the reduction in force of several thousand teachers—among them school librarians—in Bellevue and elsewhere in Washington State...."

Meeting with Elected Officials - Advocacy 101

The American Library Association's Washington Office has produced an Advocacy 101 video to help prepare library advocates on visiting their elected officials. ALA TV follows three library advocates as they visit and meet with legislators and staffers. Hear their comments on expectations and experiences. Well done. Now it is your turn to meet with your legislators.

Adopt a School Library Month - September 2007

110th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. RES. 134
Designating September 2007 as `Adopt a School Library Month'.
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
March 29, 2007
Mr. DURBIN (for himself, Mr. COLEMAN, Mr. COCHRAN, Mr. INOUYE, and Mr. ISAKSON) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

September 6, 2007
Reported by Mr. LEAHY, without amendment

RESOLUTION
Designating September 2007 as `Adopt a School Library Month'.

• Whereas extensive research has demonstrated a link between high-quality school libraries and student achievement in the classroom and on standardized tests, regardless of the level of poverty or family instability experienced by the student;
• Whereas 37 percent of all fourth grade children in the United States are reading at below-basic reading levels;
• Whereas the school libraries of the United States are valuable tools that could be used to inspire and enhance literacy for all children;
• Whereas, to become a lifelong reader, a student must be exposed to adults who read regularly and serve as positive reading role models;
• Whereas school librarians are--
  (1) instrumental in helping teachers educate the students of the United States; and
  (2) through the use of books, computer resources, and other resources, a necessary component for expanding the curriculum of the public schools of the United States;
  Whereas the school libraries of the United States are used as media centers to provide students with opportunities to interact with computers and other electronic information resources;
• Whereas the use of school library computers helps students develop media and technological skills, including--
  (1) critical thinking;
  (2) communication competency; and
  (3) the ethical and appropriate use of technology information access, retrieval, and production;
• Whereas the school libraries of the United States serve as a gathering place for students of all ages, backgrounds, and interests to come together to debate ideas;
  Whereas only approximately $1,000,000,000 is allocated to school libraries each year, which translates to $0.54 per student; and
• Whereas numerous programs, including the READesign program of the Heart of America Foundation, are working to reestablish school libraries as the hearts of the public schools of the United States by--
  (1) offering intensive care for school libraries though efforts designed--
  (A) to redecorate school libraries;
  (B) to revitalize technology available to school libraries; and
  (C) to replenish the book shelves of school libraries; and
  (2) renewing community support and interest for--
  (A) enriching the lives of children; and
  (B) helping students regain lost opportunities for learning:

Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) designates September 2007 as `Adopt a School Library Month' to raise public awareness about the important role school libraries play in the academic achievement of children; and
(2) calls on the Federal Government, States, local governments, schools, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and the people of the United States to observe the month with appropriate ceremonies, programs, and other activities

SKILLS ACT - S.1699 and H.R. 2864

Please support the SKILLS Act by urging your State Senators and Representatives to co-sponsor S. 1699 and H.R. 2864.

On Tuesday, June 26, 2007 the Strengthening Kids' Interest in Learning and Libraries (SKILLS) Act was introduced by Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Thad Cochran (R-MS.) In the House of Representatives, Representatives Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) and Vernon Ehlers (R-MI)introduced the Act. Strengthening school libraries is a long-overdue solution to educational inequities throughout the nation and especially California. The SKILLS Act is a practical and potentially powerful solution - strong school library programs for all students, not just half of them. Write to your Congressional representatives and urge that they co-sponsor the legislation. It makes sense for our kids. It makes sense for America. Act now!

Way too many students arrive at colleges and universities ill-equipped to conduct college level research because they graduated from high schools without receiving lifelong learning skills, such as research and information literacy.

I'm sure California school teacher-librarians and their advocates will cheer when Senators Feldstein and Boxer (hopefully) announce their co-sponsorship of S. 1699. And when California House Representatives all sign up as co-sponsors of H.R. 2864. What would be especially cool would be for teacher-librarians across the country (especially those who are taking the free, online summer course School Library Learning 2.0) to urge their Congress members to also co-sponsor the bills.

To learn more about the Senate and House bills, see the Library of Congress legislative database, Thomas.