"A well-stocked, well-staffed library is like a gardener who plants books, knowledge, and dreams and grows readers, learners, and do-ers."
~ Laura Purdie Salas
We are smack dab in the middle of an educational revolution. Yet despite what most people think, the goal of this learning revolution is not about technology. Yes, various types of technologies are important tools for students to use, but the ultimate goal is instead about mastering and utilizing the vast amounts of information that make up our daily world, which is why this particular time in history is commonly referred to as the Information Age. Information skills in today's world have truly become the steel of our modern economy and because of this, information literacy has become THE most important ingredient required for success at any stage of life. This is especially true for today's students who, now more than ever, must be equipped to access, evaluate, and utilize information competently in both print and electronic formats.
Resource-rich school libraries and credentialed school media specialists play key roles in developing competency in information literacy. When staffed by qualified professionals that collaborate with teachers in engaging students meaningfully with information that matters in the real world, school libraries become our society's most important 21st-century learning environment that can offer equal opportunities for achievement to all students, regardless of the socio-economic or education levels of the community.
Over 21 state studies confirm that school librarians and school libraries support students in academic achievement, lifelong learning, 21st century skills, and reading. A strong school library is staffed by the library team of a state certified or licensed librarian supported by clerical assistance; has up-to-date books, materials, equipment and technology; includes regular collaboration between classroom teachers and school librarians; and supports the development of digital literacy skills.
~Kachel, Debra E. 2011. School Library Research Summarized: A Graduate Class Project. Mansfield University. “The most important thing a strong library program can have is a full-time certified librarian with support staff.” “Research consistently shows that when children have access to good libraries with plenty of good books and with adequate staffing, they read more, and thus do better on reading tests. For children of poverty, libraries are typically the only possible source of reading material.” There are numerous studies about school libraries that clearly show that students, who attend schools with well equipped libraries managed by qualified teacher-librarians, such as here at Lakeview, have higher achievement, improved literacy and greater success at the post-secondary level. Standardized scores tend to be 10 to 20% higher in schools with full library programs than in schools without trained librarians. In fact, no fewer than forty years of research provides an abundance of evidence about the positive impact of qualified teacher-librarians and school libraries on the academic performance of children and adolescents.
“The school library provides a wealth of curriculum-based resources as well as opportunities for students to learn at a personal level of inquiry, outside the assigned curriculum.” “There was a significant positive relationship between a majority of the 21 library services regularly provided and student achievement at all levels. Total library services were significantly related to student achievement at all levels when controlling for all school and community variables.” School librarians provide the scaffolding for reading success
When comparing schools with and without librarians, the study indicates that the presence of a qualified school librarian can make a tremendous difference in reading achievement. This difference ranges from eight percent for high schools to 35 percent for elementary schools. For instance, schools with librarians have 35 percent more fourth graders who score proficient or above than schools without librarians.
~ Rodney, Marcia J., Keith Curry Lance, and Christine Hamilton-Pennell. 2003. The Impact of Michigan School Libraries on Academic Achievement: Kids Who Have Libraries Succeed. Lansing, MI: Library of Michigan. In an Iowa study, in all three grade levels surveyed, the students’ test scores tend to rise with the increased incrementally as [library] staffing and library usage increased. ~ Rodney, Marcia J., Keith Curry Lance, and Christine Hamilton-Pennell. 2002. Make the Connection: Quality School Library Media Programs Impact Academic Achievement in Iowa. Bettendorf, IA: Iowa Area Education Agencies. In a Missouri study, students who have access to the library either during school hours or have electronic access outside the library show a significant success rate.
~ Quantitative Resources, LLC, et al. 2003. Show Me Connection: How School Library Media Center Services Impact Student Achievement. Jefferson City, MO: Missouri State Library. MO Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. “Studies confirm that more access to books and reading material in general results in more independent self-selected reading. More independent self-selected reading results in more literacy development.” School librarians provide the blueprint for teaching students research skills, digital citizenship, safety online, and information communication skills
“School librarians have deep expertise in digital literacy skills; have well-developed instructional strategies based on thinking critically, communicating creatively in a variety of media, and solving problems creatively; and are often role models for strong leadership, initiative, and other career and life skills.” “School libraries provide equitable physical and intellectual access to the resources and tools required for learning in a warm, stimulating, and safe environment.” School librarians provide 21st century professional development to their teaching colleagues
School librarians and teachers make a strong instructional team combining their knowledge of pedagogy, resources, and technology to meet the specific needs of each student.
~ American Association of School Librarians. 2011. School Library Programs Improve Student Learning: Teachers. Chicago: ALA. Teachers were three times more likely to rate their literacy teaching as excellent when they collaborated with librarians. ~Lance, Keith Curry, Marcia J. Rodney, and Bill Schwarz. 2009. The Idaho School Library Impact Study-2009: How Idaho Librarians, Teachers, and Administrators Collaborate for Student Success. Idaho Commission for Libraries. Student test scores were higher the more time librarians worked cooperatively with classroom teachers, the more they taught information literacy independently, and the more they provided in-service training to teachers. ~ Lance, Keith Curry, Marcia J. Rodney, and Christine Pennell-Hamilton. 2000. Measuring Up to Standards: The Impact of School Library Programs and Information Literacy in Pennsylvania Schools. Greensburg, PA: Pennsylvania Citizens for Better Libraries. “School libraries provide equitable physical and intellectual access to the resources and tools required for learning in a warm, stimulating, and safe environment. School librarians collaborate with others to provide instruction, learning strategies, and practice in using the essential learning skills needed in the 21st century.” The best thing we can do to educate our children so they will become life long learners, is to show them how to teach themselves, and in no place is that a more explicit part of their mission than in the school library when a trained professional is there to help each child.
|
Article
|
You can help! Keeping the links on a website up-to-date is a very difficult thing for one person to do. So I would greatly appreciate it if you would let me know (by clicking here) if you find links that are no longer active. Plus, if you find any new cool educational sites, let me know about those too, Thanks.
~Mrs. S.
~Mrs. S.