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Meeting of the Board of Regents | October 2008

Wednesday, October 1, 2008 - 9:35am

sed seal                                                                                                 

 

 

THE STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT / THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK / ALBANY, NY 12230

 

TO:

FROM:

signature of Jeff CannellJeffrey W. Cannell

 

TITLE OF ITEM:

School Library Services: Impact on Student Achievement

 

DATE OF SUBMISSION:

 

October 2, 2008

 

STRATEGIC GOAL:

 

Goals 1-5

 

AUTHORIZATION(S):

 

 

SUMMARY

 

Issue for Discussion

 

How to effectively utilize the findings of current research demonstrating that strong, effective school libraries are a proven key to achieving higher learning standards.

 

Reason(s) for Consideration

 

Review of policy.

 

Proposed Handling

 

This item will come before the Cultural Education Committee for discussion at the October meeting.  A brief presentation of research findings, progress to date and future threats and opportunities will be followed by discussion. 

 


Procedural History

 

The Regents adopted the ten recommendations of the 2000 Regents Commission on Library Services as their public policy, including one of the Commission’s recommendations that is particularly related to strengthening student achievement, literacy and school libraries:

 

No. 2: “Ensure that all New York’s students are information literate by providing strong school library media programs that include appropriately certified professional staff, adequate resources, and technology.”

 


Background Information

 

Research clearly shows that effective school libraries with certified librarians, large and diverse collections, and expanded Internet access raise student test scores and achievement levels 10-20 percent, regardless of factors such as family economic level and school size. The June 2003 New York State Court of Appeals decision in the Campaign for Fiscal Equity case regarding State funding of public schools specifically addressed the inadequacy of school libraries and urged the State to provide funding for up-to-date libraries that students need to succeed.

 

The Regents proposed an annual increase from $6.00 to $10.00 per pupil in School Library Materials Aid for 2006-2007.  The 2007-2008 State budget permanently increased School Library Materials Aid to $6.25 per pupil. This increase was the first since 1998, but much more needs to be done to strengthen New York’s school library media centers.

 

Recommendation

 

Regents policy, the Regents P-16 Education Reform Plan and future Regents priority budget and legislative proposals for schools and libraries should support implementation of strong school library media programs for all of New York’s students. 

 

Timetable for Implementation

 

Implementation should begin immediately.