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AEP Online |
SKILLs Act Requires Certified LibrariansThe introduction of the Strengthening Kids’ Interest in Learning and Libraries Act would mandate every public school district in the nation have "to the extent feasible not less than one highly qualified school library media specialist in each public school" by the start of the 2010-11 school year. HR 2864 was introduced by Rep. Grijalva (D-AZ) and Rep. Ehlers (R-MI), and S 1699 was introduced by Senator Reed (D-RI) and Sen. Cochran (R-MS). At present, not all school employees are required to be highly qualified under NCLB, and librarians and some publishers see that as a mistake. Currently, librarians' salaries are often lumped with other non-instructional employees' such as counselors and student transportation providers. Because the states can't use federal funds to support the positions, many districts are discontinuing the use of librarians completely when budgets are tight. According to ALA President Leslie Burger, "only 60 percent of school libraries have full-time, state certified school library media specialists on staff." Under the bill, the redefinition would place library media teachers among the educators who must be state-certified and pass tests proving they are highly qualified. Because this would be a federal mandate, schools would then be able to utilize federal funding to help cover the cost of salaries for these instructors. Supplemental publishers have always worked closely with librarians and media specialists to determine how to best serve the research needs of students. According to some reference publishers, qualified librarians possess a better understanding of how to choose appropriate reference materials for the school library. Quality reference materials in the library mean that students are getting the best information for projects and development of their knowledge base. Both of these factors are important to academic achievement and life skills. Questions, ideas, or in need of more information? Please contact Stacey Pusey at 856-241-7772. |
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2008 The Association of Educational
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