Libraries & Equity: An Advocacy Presentation for PA School Libraries

All Pennsylvania students deserve an equitable education

Every student deserves the services of an on-site licensed library media specialist.

but . . .

our school library programs are

a tale of inequity

Students and teachers without the services of a qualified library media specialist,

without a funded library program . . .

Rpongsaj. “Locked Doors.”4 Nov. 2006. Flickr Creative Commons Pool. 19 Mar. 2008. <http://www.flickr.com/photos/pong/288223209/>. are at a significant disadvantage.

They are less likely to learn and practice 21st century skills of information and technology literacy,

to understand the importance of digital citizenship in today’s world.

Professional school librarians . . .

build developmentally appropriate collections of reading and research materials

that promote life-long learning and love of reading

Collections look different these days.

collection BLOGS WIKIBOOKS e-books RSS feeds Streamed media databases audiobooks online survey tools web portals books search engines magazines newspapers

collaboratively plan, teach and assess with classroom teachers

teach critical information and communication skills necessary for academic and business success.

help teachers integrate relevant information and communication technologies into lessons.

promote use of high quality print and electronic resources.

including our state-funded databases:

promote independent reading,

the best in children’s and young adult literature.

Independent reading is critical.

You become a reader because . . .

someone led you to the world of books even before you could read,

let you taste the magic of stories , took you to the library , and allowed you to stay up later at night to read in bed. Jim Trelease, author The Read Aloud Handbook

Unlike public libraries:

“ School libraries help teachers teach and children learn.” First Lady, and former school librarian, Laura Bush

work with school leaders and administrators to leverage technology investments,

work to level the playing field, promote equity, help to reduce the achievement gap.

But . . .

The average age of books

in local school libraries

is 25 years.

(Berks, Bucks, Beaver, and Luzerne regional survey. Follett, 2007)

Edwards, Ali. “Books.” 12 June 2006. Flickr Creative Commons Pool. 28 Mar. 2008. < http://www.flickr.com/photos/aliedwards/543067160/>.

Nearly 40% of all PA public schools are without a librarian and school library. (estimated 2006-07 data, there are 3,568 public schools and 2,248 school librarians)

In Philadelphia, more than 75% of the city’s 265 public schools do not have a librarian or a library .

Will you endorse this

when evidence shows

For 3 tested grades, the relationship between staffing and PSSA reading scores is positive and statistically significant. Measuring Up to Standards . (c2000) Study of PA School Libraries. <http://www.statelibrary.state.pa.us/ libraries/lib/libraries/measuringup.pdf>.

Three out of five elementary schools with adequate library staff (61%) reported average or above-average reading scores. reading scores Measuring Up to Standards . (c2000) Study of PA School Libraries. <http://www.statelibrary.state.pa.us/ libraries/lib/libraries/measuringup.pdf>.

The same proportion of schools without adequate staffing reported below-average scores. reading scores Measuring Up to Standards . (c2000) Study of PA School Libraries. <http://www.statelibrary.state.pa.us/ libraries/lib/libraries/measuringup.pdf>.

PA middle schools with the best PSSA reading scores spend twice as much on their school libraries as the lowest scoring schools.

More than 18 studies, replicated in states across the country . . . Library Research Service <http://lrs.org>.

show student achievement increases an average of 10%-20%

when school library media centers are staffed with certified school librarians .

In Washington State

three moms,

concerned about reductions in school library programs,

successfully lobbied state legislators for $4 million in emergency bridge funding.

“ Spokane Moms.” 1 Feb. 2008. ALA Fund Our Future Flickr Group . 24 Mar. 2008. <http:// www.flickr.com/photos/ala_members/sets/72157603853026097/ >.

They continue to lobby to ensure students across the state have library programs and certified librarians.

The Washington State legislature is rethinking the meaning of the phrase basic education.

How do library media specialists make a difference?

Media specialists introduce resources and teach students and teachers how to best use them.

Among those resources—our state databases!

Media specialists organize the Web for their learning communities.

Media specialists teach literacy:

traditional literacy

information literacy

media literacy

digital literacy

Media specialists ensure equity:

access for all students:

access to information

in all its formats

access to technology

access to skills

Library media specialists teach learners to . . .

inquire, think critically, gain knowledge research inquire develop a thesis take a stand organize analyze synthesize question apply their learning debate

evaluate information bias relevance timeliness authority points of view credentials In new information formats purpose

draw conclusions, make informed decisions, apply knowledge, create new knowledge

share knowledge, participate ethically & productively

collaborate and create traditional papers blog podcast streamed video concept map digital storytelling public service announcements student-produced digital instruction present

demonstrate information ethics documentation digital citizenship Creative Commons safety respect for intellectual property academic integrity intellectual freedom

pursue personal & aesthetic growth independent reading viewing listening author visits school-wide reading initiatives poetry slams galleries of student work video book trailers collections that meet needs of all learners book fairs review blogs podcast reviews book clubs booktalks

Media specialists are working to ensure the success of the Governor’s CFF technology initiative.

NO EXTRA FUNDING REQUIRED!

Many media specialists are actively involved CFF partners.

Others can be partners with some professional development.

But, what happened to PDE’s School Library Services Division?

at a time we need it most?

Research shows that the highest achieving students attend schools with good library media centers.

The library media specialist builds age & developmentally appropriate collections

in all media formats

for all learners

The media specialist

collaborates in teaching and integrating information and technology literacy standards

and develops learning activities that improve student achievement.

School libraries are not just a nice extra .

School libraries are a core service .

All students deserve an equitable education.

Every Pennsylvania student deserves the services of an on-site licensed library media specialist.

The learners of our state need your support.

They need your action.

Nationwide data available at: Library Research Service Research and Statistics About Libraries,"Impact Studies." http://www.lrs.org/impact.asp Other statistics available from the American Library Association: http://ala.org/ala/issues/issuesadvocacy.cfm Thanks to Doug Johnson and the librarians of MEMO for their advocacy ideas. Thanks to Deb Kachel, Mansfield University, for local statistics. For more information on the Spokane Moms http://www.fundourfuturewashington.org/