January 31, 2007
Ways and Means Committee
521 Blatt Building
Ida W. Thompson, President
South Carolina Association of School Librarians
Chairman Smith, Subcommittee Members, Ladies and Gentlemen:
I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you today representing the literacy needs and interests of the 684,469 students and 1200 school librarians in our state’s public schools. I am currently serving as president of SCASL and represent the collective concerns of our members in speaking for the needs of our students.
Each day in the 1232 school library media centers across our state, teaching is often compromised, student inquiry is thwarted and many learning experiences are lessened because quality library media materials are not always readily available.
There are currently no state funds earmarked for K-12 school library media centers for library books. 1999 was the last time funds were allocated statewide for school library books. That $1 million special allocation, while greatly appreciated, had a very small impact on a very big problem. The association’s legislative initiative – “Strive for 25”, provides us with a unique opportunity to address this issue in a very meaningful way.
$25 is the average cost of a new library book, (based on data from the American Library Association). For the past five years, school library media specialists have provided information on their school library media programs in an annual survey to the State Department of Education. The most recent survey data indicates that the average age of school library media collections is 1989. I think we can all appreciate the fact that al lot has happened in the world since 1989.
We believe that the school library-media center should be the focal point of learning in our schools since they provide materials that support instruction at all grade levels. The school library is critical to every student’s learning experience and academic achievement. Major research studies continue to validate the fact 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. At least 60 research studies have shown clear evidence of this connection between student achievement and the presence of school libraries with both qualified school library media specialists and quality collections.
The U. S. National Commission on Libraries and Information Science passed a resolution in recognition of the important role of libraries in the lives of America’s children. In part, it states that officials and educators at all level, community leaders, parents and others, should utilize the vast potential of libraries to assist youth and children to seek positive outcomes through wise use of information. I think we would all agree that positive outcomes and support for our young people are what we all desire.
School libraries are important. They support the reading and literacy initiatives of the school and communicate to students and parents that reading is important and is the gatekeeper to their future success both in their needs as learners and as citizens.
School libraries are effective. The library media center is accessible to everyone in the total school community and offers a wide range of materials to meet instructional and personal needs (reference, fiction, non-fiction). Effective school library media centers address a broad range of reading levels and interests, providing students with choices and options for exploring the world around them. They are cost effective because one book is used and enjoyed by many users time and time again.
School libraries are accountable. Library materials are inventoried and maintained, with losses minimized through effective automation tracking systems.
School libraries create a sense of ownership that is shared by the school’s entire community.
Providing quality instruction, a wide range of books, reading guidance and library services certainly impacts positively on students’ achievement. My colleagues and the educators who are supporting the “Strive for 25” campaign are committed to reading and literacy as cornerstones of our students’ educational experiences. We invite you to support SCASL’s “Strive for 25” campaign. Purchasing one new book per child each year will move our state forward in improving the academic performance of our students. Without adequate on-going funding, we will not be able to fulfill our mission and commitment as certified school library media specialists and educators.
As a veteran educator who has worked at both the elementary and high school levels and for the past 16 years as a district administrator, I will share with you that the most meaningful experiences I have had with my students have reading and literacy as a common element. I relished the sparkle in the eyes of my kindergarten students who rushed in before school to read their books to me. Their obvious pride in such accomplishments is what epitomizes what learning is all about. Likewise, my senior high school students who couldn’t wait for our weekly story hours and who sat mesmerized as I read various poetry and fictional selections to them is something I will always remember. Those now accomplished and successful adults, who I see quite often, share how special it was for them to enjoy books with me and how they are making that an important part of their roles as parents.
This is what Strive for 25 is all about - ensuring that we invest in both today’s students and the students who are to come.
I will close by sharing this statement borrowed from one of my colleagues: You can't teach today's students with yesterday's materials and expect them to have success tomorrow.
I respectfully request your support of the SCASL Strive for $25 campaign.
Thank you again for your time and attention.