how strong library media programs make a difference in schools today
TRANSCRIPT
The School Library Media Center
and Student Achievement
HOW STRONG LIBRARY MEDIA PROGRAMS MAKE A DIFFERENCE
IN SCHOOLS TODAY
“What a school thinks about its library is a measure of what it thinks
about education.”
--Harold Howe former U.S. Commissioner of Education
Dear Principal…Over the past 30 years, many research
studies have been conducted to investigate the impact of school library media centers on
student learning.
The results of these studies are very clear:School libraries help students achieve!
The Colorado Study
In 1993, Dr. Keith Lance published a major landmark study in Colorado that explored
the impact of school library media programs and librarians on student
achievement.
The Colorado Study
He found that academic achievement was affected when:
• A professional library media specialist on site• Collaboration occurred with teachers to create exciting learning experiences using the library media resources.• The library media collection contained large amounts of quality print and multimedia materials.
The Colorado Study expands…
Between 2000 and 2009, similar findings have been generated by studies in 17 other states confirming their ongoing
relevance in the standards-based testing environment.
These studies found that academic achievement
increases as…
professional and support personnel in the school library increases.
quality information streams from the library into classrooms and homes.
sustaining budgets keep the information-rich and environment current and of high quality.
Academic achievement also increases when school
librarians…
collaborate with teachers to create quality learning experiences using materials and technology.
are leaders in their schools. teach information literacy. promote reading.
Closing the achievement gap…
The most recent Colorado Study, published in 2010, examined the impact
of libraries and librarians on low-performing and high-performing students.
It found that school libraries can be a very effective tool in closing the achievement
gap.
“This study provides evidence that a strong school library program led by a certified and endorsed school librarian can reduce the achievement gap and
address the needs of struggling students. This is exciting news for schools that are trying to identify
strategies that work! “
Nancy White 21st Century Learning & Innovation Specialist
The Baughman Study
In 2000, James C. Baughman, Ph. D. published a study that also found a strong relationship between school libraries and student achievement.
He found that mean test scores tend to be higher in schools with school
library programs at all levels
The Socioeconomic Factor
Baughman also found that children from a lower socioeconomic level who have a school library obtain higher mean test scores than do similar children from
schools that do not have such a program.
Variables Necessary for Success
Elementary school libraries need…
hours of service, including before and after school.
strong library collections--per pupil book count, magazines, and non-print items.
high library expenditures per pupil.
Variables Necessary for Success
Elementary school libraries also need…
library instruction and high student use.
alignment of the library collection with the curriculum frameworks.
robust staffing, including a full-time librarian, non-professional assistance, and parent volunteers.
What does this mean?
Strong school library media programs and librarians make a difference!
Achievement scores are likely to rise 10-20%!
The Roles of a Media Specialist
An effective Library Media Specialist has several identifying roles:
TeacherInstructional PartnerInformation SpecialistProgram Administrator
Part of a strong library media program is having a strong library media specialist who is willing to take on a leadership role.
10 Ways for a SLMS to be a Leader
1. Meet regularly with the principal.2. Attend all faculty meetings.3. Serve on curriculum and standards committees.4. Present professional development for teachers and librarians.5. Engage in collaboration with teachers and the technology staff.
10 Ways for a SLMS to be a Leader (Cont.)
6. Meet with school library colleagues.7. Visit other school libraries.8. Link to initiatives that are implemented at school or in the district.9. Give recognition to others for their successes.10. Attend and participate in district, state, and national associations and conferences.
The Principal plays a role too!
Today’s principal is the instructional leader of the school and sets the tone and expectations for teaching and learning.
For the library program, a principal provides:
Financial supportStaffing supportScheduling supportVerbal support
Making a Difference
Across grade levels, better-performing schools also tended to be those whose principals valued: collaboration between librarians and
classroom teachers flexible scheduling of library access regular meetings between themselves
and their librarians having their librarians serve on key
school committees
“The principal is a key player, perhaps the key player, in library
media programs that make a difference.”
- Gary Hartzell
Thank you for your continued support of our school library media center!
ReferencesAmerican Association of School Librarians (2009). Empowering learners: Guidelines for school library media programs.
Chicago: American Library Association.
Baughman, J. (2000, October). School libraries and MCAS scores. Retrieved March 15, 2012, from http://web.simmons.edu/~baughman/mcas-schoollibraries/Baughman%20Paper.pdf
Church, A. (2009). The principal factor. School Library Journal. Retrieved March 18, 2012, from http://www.librarymediaconnection.com/pdf/lmc/reviews_and_articles/featured_articles/Church_May_June2009.pdf
Francis, B.H., Lance, K.C., & Lietzau, Z. (2010). School Librarians Continue to Help Students Achieve Standards: The Third Colorado Study (2010). Retrieved March 12, 2012, from http://www.lrs.org/documents/closer_look/CO3_2010_Closer_Look_Report.pdf
Lance, K.C., Rodney, M.J., & Russell, B. (2007). How students, teachers, and principals benefit from strong school libraries. Retrieved March 17, 2012, from www.ilfonline.org/clientuploads/AIME/KeyFindingsNextSteps.pdf
Lance, K.C. & Loertscher, D. V. (2003). Powering achievement 2nd edition: School library media programs make a difference. LMC Source. Retrieved March 15, 2012, from http://www.lmcsource.com/tech/power/2nd/power2.htm
Nassar, N. (n/d). 10 easy leadership ideas to help school librarians become leaders on their campuses. Retrieved March 18, 2012, from http://www.lrs.org/documents/lmcstudies/10_easy_ideas.pdf
School libraries work! [Research Foundation Paper]. (2008). Retrieved March 18, 2012, from Scholastic Research and Results website: http://www.scholastic.com/content/collateral_resources/pdf/s/slw3_2008.pdf
Francis, B.H., Lance, K.C., & Lietzau, Z. (2010). School Librarians Continue to Help Students Achieve Standards: The Third Colorado Study (2010). Retrieved March 12, 2012, from http://www.lrs.org/documents/closer_look/CO3_2010_Closer_Look_Report.pdf