Although study after study demonstrates that school libraries make a difference (see below) it appears not to make a difference to the feds. This is not only sad but it also makes no sense if education is such a high priority in the U.S. Of course, science, tech, engineering, and math skills are also critical but as Emily Sheketoff, executive director of ALA’s DC office correctly points out:
Apparently, what the Department of Education fails to realize is that the literacy and research skills students develop through an effective school library program are the very building blocks of STEM [Science, Technology, Education, and Math] education. Withdrawing support from this crucial area of education is an astounding misstep by an Administration that purports to be a champion of education reform.”
The Improving Literacy Through School Libraries program was zeroed out under the Department of Education’s allocation for FY2011 funding (PDF), released today.
Improving Literacy Through School Libraries is the only federal program solely for our nation’s school libraries. This program supports local education agencies in improving reading achievement by providing students with increased access to up-to-date school library materials; well-equipped, technologically advanced school libraries; and professionally certified school librarians.
“This decision shows that school libraries have been abandoned by President Obama and the Department of Education,” Emily Sheketoff, executive director of the American Library Association (ALA) Washington Office, said.
“The Department has withdrawn funding for numerous successful literacy programs in order to launch new initiatives to bolster science, technology, engineering, and math education.
Nancy Everhart, president of the ALA’s Association of School Librarians (AASL), said school library programs provide students with the skills they need to select, interpret, form and communicate ideas in compelling ways with emerging technologies, preparing students for the demands of a global, competitive economy and a 21st century workplace.
“Studies have repeatedly demonstrated that students in schools with strong school library programs learn more, get better grades, and score higher on standardized tests even when differences in socioeconomic factors are taken into consideration,” Everhart said.
Read the Complete News Release
UPDATE: Action Alert from ALA DC Office: Tell Congress to Include School Libraries in ESEA
The ESEA is the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA).
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