Joint TSLAC/TEA Study of the Needs of Public School Libraries
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Date: 09/19/2008
Name: Laura Dunson
Library: Humphrey's Highland Elementary and South Lawn Elementary
Comments and Suggestions: Adequate funding must include resources to maintain a full-time, highly qualified library media specialist and a full-time library clerk/assistant. Without an assistant, the LMS must spend too much time performing clerical duties; thus, taking away from collaborative instructional time. Many elementary schools in Amarillo ISD do not even have a full-time LMS in the library. This severely restricts the amount of time available for technology and curriculum integration between the LMS and the classroom teachers. Teachers need someone who is current with the technology aspects of curriculum integration to help them create technology-enriched lessons and use of technology equipment such as SMART Boards, ONfinity, and online databa<x>ses.
Date: 09/19/2008
Name: TASL Member
Library: Region 10
Comments and Suggestions: I strongly agree with the comment about aligning school libraries with TEA, and not TSLAC.
I also can't see the logic of giving TSLAC the responsibility for school libraries if school boards and administrators are aligned with TEA. Look how awkward it is with that arrangements for library standards - TSLAC does all the work and our administrators say "Interesting, but they're not something TEA requires."
Date: 09/19/2008
Name: Diane Hart
Library: Round Rock ISD
Comments and Suggestions: From the survey results, it is apparent that over 93% felt the greatest need was funding to support the compliance with the School Library Standards. The Standards include many of the other needs, such as adequate professional and paraprofessional staff, up to date materials, online access, etc. I agree with other comments that a legislative mandate (with funding) for TEA to enforce the School Library Standards by requiring standard staffing and funding at the District level is needed. The draft report seems to support legislative action, so it is encouraging that this is the information that TEA/TASLAC will be presenting to the legislature.
Date: 09/19/2008
Name: Rhetta Williams
Library: Information not available
Comments and Suggestions: Adequate funding must include resources to maintain a full-time, highly qualified library media specialist and a full-time library clerk/assistant. Without an assistant, the LMS must spend too much time performing clerical duties; thus, taking away from collaborative instructional time.
Date: 09/20/2008
Name: Myra Jachade
Library: Ed Franz Elementary Library
Comments and Suggestions: I have been a librarian at the above school for 7 years and every year I am put in the rotation with GT, PE, Art, and Music, so that our teachers can have 90 minutes of planning. I feel that a library is a media center that should be open to all the students and classes every day. When I have to have set classes, I cannot checkout to other students who come in and I cannot help the upper grades do research. I serve around 488 students, but all my classes are set and I have no one to help checkout to anyone that comes in etc.
Date: 09/21/2008
Name: Lisa Hettler
Library: Cody Elementary, Northside ISD, San Antonio
Comments and Suggestions: I agree with the study and would hope that the funding that is used can be used to ensure full-time librarians and assistants. I think that a correlation to TEKS is vital as well as a bigger emphasis on the collaboration between librarians and teachers. This collaborative piece is where true success of all our students will occur.
Date: 09/22/2008
Name: Melinda Cavanaugh
Library: Corsicana High School
Comments and Suggestions: Come visit my library. This draft recommendation is so far off the mark that it is rediculous. I have 1500 students and 15 (that's right - 15) working computers that log in sometimes. A gift of databa<x>ses really doesn't matter under those circumstances.
Unless those recommendations are mandatory and funded you can forget about school districts doing their part unless they are in uppper middle class suburban school districts.
I will never forget having an administrator in another school district tell a group of librarians that standards are just self-serving and really don't mean anything.
You just spent alot of time and probably money on something that won't get my library anywhere.
Date: 09/22/2008
Name: Katherine Aufman
Library: A.J. Moore Academy
Comments and Suggestions: I have looked over the draft and I agree with the requirements that have been put forth. I believe that the biggest need is that we have professional, certified personnel in the library. Most of our elementary schools, and some of our middle schools, in Waco ISD are manned by aides, who also have to do cafeteria duty, bus duty, etc. Most of them are all dedicated to their work, but they do not have the training to work with the students and teachers in teaching and promoting library skills.We need to make sure that all libraries have certified librarians beginning in the elementary schools. Students need a foundation of library knowledge on which to build, so that when they reach the high school level, they are able to do high school level reading and research. This currently is not the case.
Funding is also another big issue. The legislature can make all sorts of demands, but unless there is money to support those mandates, they will not get done. Or they will get pushed behind the need for the local football program. It is wonderful that the state is providing money for EBSCO and Britannica databases. EBSCO databases are used by many colleges, and by using them at the high school level, our students are going to have the ability to use them at the college level. These databases need to be continued.
Date: 09/22/2008
Name: Katy Manck
Library: Gilmer High School Library
Comments and Suggestions: The Standards must have some TEETH or they will remain Guidelines that districts can follow or not, depending on the whims of administrators.
Our students and communities deserve properly-staffed, well-equipped school libraries with enough funding to keep up with changes in technologies and new books for reading enjoyment, year after year.
Smaller districts can get better services and materials for their students as part of the larger picture of "all Texas school libraries" receiving funding, with Standards that have some reward for compliance (or penalty for non-compliance).
Date: 09/22/2008
Name: P. Ibanez
Library: Armendariz MS
Comments and Suggestions: As a librarian in a middle school, I am fortunate to collaborate with peers in the development of lessons and instruction. I believe that one of the most important needs regarding libraries, besides funding for the collection, is technology. Our students need to learn how to access information via the Internet and databa<x>ses. Without computers, paid databa<x>ses, and Internet access this is not possible.
Date: 09/22/2008
Name: Debra Marshall
Library: Wilison Elementary School
Comments and Suggestions: The draft document does a very thorough and accurate job of identifying the critical needs of Texas public school libraries. My hope is that the standards, the funding, & the designation of certified librarians as highly qualified teachers become mandated by our state government. I'm sure that our professional lobbyists will continue to stress these needs to our legislators. TEA must adopt school libraries and librarians as part of their role in education, and to work toward state funding for us. I saw two needs under Standard II - Learner-Centered Program Leadership and management that TLA might develop either as a preconference or professional development workshops - "training and support to assist libraries in collecting data and evaluating the library resources...", and "assistance in developing a long-range plan to improve the school library program". The second would be marketed to both librarian and administrator who would attend together. Thank you for the work that went into the document.
Date: 09/23/2008
Name: Jana Knezek
Library: Northside ISD
Comments and Suggestions: In the first couple of pages instead of saying computer resources, let's use the word technology. It would be more encompasing of devices kids might some day be allowed to use in our schools, such as ipods, cell phones, ebook readers, whatever, since we've gone beyond computers being the only technologies used.
Date: 09/24/2008
Name: Information not available
Library: Information not available
Comments and Suggestions: I believe the only way our profession will be taken seriously is to be under TEA again. Then when a standard is listed, the districts will comply.
In the School Library Needs Document it should state "require" instead of "encourage", especially for the funding and staffing sections.
We are shooting ourselves in the feet when we soft pedal our profession by allowing the administrators to merely encourage the schools to collaborate, adequately staff, adequately fund, etc. If research has shown that academic achievement has risen because of collaboration etc., then why not require it for all students and not just those who are lucky enough to have principals and library media specialists who believe in it and enforce it?
Now is the time to speak up and be BOLD! If we don't make a statement that promotes excellence in education, no one else will. Why go for the middle road toward mediocrity???
Date: 09/24/2008
Name: Jean Sonntag
Library: Glenn Middle School
Comments and Suggestions: I agree that this document should substitute the term require instead of encourage wherever it is used.
In order for a school to reach recognized or exemplary status it requires many things out of everyone involved. Our research has shown that a certified staff performing collaborative lessons within a flexible schedule makes the difference that enables a school to reach excellence.
Let's get with TEA to regulate that status to equalize all of our programs to be able to reach a higher status.
Date: 09/25/2008
Name: A. Juarez
Library: Austin H.S.
Comments and Suggestions: I think the needs are adequately relected on this report; however, I think it needs to be overseen by TEA and tied into the accountability rating. Recommendations are all good and well but if there are no consequences for non-compliance, what difference does it make how many studies are done.
Date: 09/28/2008
Name: Diane Model
Library: Wylie High School Library
Comments and Suggestions: I work in a 5A school district. The district has 17 schools, 9 of them are Elementary level. Those nine elementary school libraries are staffed with a para. Most of the paras only have a high school diploma. At the high school we have 2200 students with one library media specialist. I have asked for 5 years for funding to have the library open for extended hours, and on weekends and during summer school. I have been refused each time it has been requested. It is my hope that you see the needs of funding the school libraries at the state level and adopt the recommendations.
Date: 09/29/2008
Name: Sharon Gullett
Library: Information not available
Comments and Suggestions: First, I would like to thank the Legislature for funding the K-12 databa<x>ses. This program provides an equitable solution for increased resources to all students in Texas and is cost effective. Please give the librarians and students time to prove this is a much needed resource by extending the funding.
Second, the functions of a library are like a four-legged stool with each leg constituting a major role: Acquisition, Access, Instruction, and Program Management. When one or two legs are too short, the whole stool (library) is out of balance. Increased funding for materials, extended hours, additional certified librarians to work with students and staff, and adequate time for routine tasks are essential to the health of Texas public school libraries. It is difficult to determine which "leg" is more important. It would seem increased funding would solve the problem. However, focusing on one or two ob<x>jectives and creating a timeline for implementation seems more reasonable.
What could be done without a tremendous amount of money? Strengthened leadership for libraries from TEA, financial incentives to districts that add certified librarians, permanent funding for the K-12 databa<x>ses, a plan for an annual allotment for public school libraries phased in incrementally over ten years.
Date: 09/29/2008
Name: Edna Mattox, Librarian
Library: Deady Middle School
Comments and Suggestions: Every Texas school must be required to employ a ceritfied librarian. Research shows that test scores dramatically increase when a school has a library that is staffed by a certified librarian.
Date: 09/29/2008
Name: Catherine Pleasants
Library: J.D. Parks Elementary School, Pasadena I.S.D.
Comments and Suggestions: This is my 15th year as an elementary school librarian serving students of poverty in an urban or suburban setting. While I and my elementary LMS colleagues in the district have masters degrees and professional expertise as teachers and librarians, many of us spend much of our time as library clerks because insufficient clerical personnel are provided for us.
While the work we do as clerks is as necessary as any other work that is required in our libraries, this represents an inefficient management of the state's resources and our own professional capabilities. This will continue as long as there is no FUNDED mandate that our campus and district administrators WILL staff our libraries in a manner that allows certified school librarians to use our professional skillset more comprehensively.
I especially agree with this comment posted already, and it's significant enough to state it again:
We are shooting ourselves in the feet when we soft pedal our profession by allowing the administrators to merely encourage the schools to collaborate, adequately staff, adequately fund, etc. If research has shown that academic achievement has risen because of collaboration etc., then why not require it for all students and not just those who are lucky enough to have principals and library media specialists who believe in it and enforce it?
Date: 09/29/2008
Name: Charles Abel
Library: West End Elementary
Comments and Suggestions: I have been a building principal for over 30 years and I have watched the evolution of our public schools. What has amazed me is watching how little we have wanted to change our libraries. Too many times all we expect from a library is a place to check in and out books. I applaud this survey in recognizing the integral parts of a well rounded library program. It is apparant that the library program with all of the standards need to be under the direction of TEA. It should be mandatory for a school district to follow the guidelines and standards and the library should be part of accountablity just like our academic programs. This will be the only way we can bring all libraries up to standards throughout the state.
Date: 09/29/2008
Name: Shaw, Sue Ellen
Library: North Side High School
Comments and Suggestions: I agree with most of the comments listed. It's very important to mention that there are still many students who do not have Internet access and for these students, the school library is the equalizer for all students to access technology and information. This, to me, is the most crucial reason for library funding for updated computers.
Date: 09/29/2008
Name: Jim Hundemer
Library: Manager, Houston Independent School District
Comments and Suggestions: When the legislature convenes in January, 2009 the demands on the budget are going to be greater than at any time in Texas history. I have been banging on doors of the legislators for 10 years along with every special interest group looking for money and asking them to support our GREAT program that will save the state of Texas! Of course, all of those other groups believe they will save Texas too. So what will make us stand out above all the rest? Certainly not the same old stuff everyone has proposed. After the session is over and you have received maybe one thing on your legislative agenda, you can take all of this paper and wallpaper your library with it.
We must start with a certified librarian in every school library in Texas. Over time all of the rest of your proposals will fall into place once that is done. Is it going to be difficult to get an unfunded mandate passed by the legislature?---heck yes. So let's spend time getting our two minute visit with the legislatures honed and ready to deliver and paper the legislature and communities with it. Get on talk shows, host meetings at your school, we must get the community behind us or we are spinning our wheels once again. And this will have to be directed to your legislators. I don't think you will find much support with your school board or superintendent.
Now, the life blood of every school Board and of every principal is how well the school/district does on the TAKS test. I saw very little of the discussion of the TAKS test just that data shows that we make a difference, and the principal tosses that piece of information in the trash as he/she looks at scores that could put his job in jeopardy. So what are principals doing?---they are taking any extra money they can find--your book/technology money and investing in programs to bring up the lagging students.
So what have YOU done, Mr. & Ms. librarian to DIRECTLY propose how your library will help students failing or maybe needing just a little help?
Principals tell me all the time---my librarian never comes to me with a plan to help me out, in fact, I really don't know what she does all day. She never asks me for anything but the same old, blah, blah, blah...Why do you think you are in ancillary rotation all day?
Librarians that do help their principals and students focus on the TAKS test are standing at the side of the principal and generally DIRETING what is happening with their library programs. And of course, you get to do all of the other wonderful things that go with being a librarian.
I would like to propose that every district, even one as big as HISD, use the language of TAKS support, let's form PLC's (Professional Learning Communities) of all librarians. Start meeting with all librarians throughout your district and come up with a plan to present to your principals and the resources it will take. You will have to do this on your own, more than likely after school---find a place that makes good margaritas and begin the dialogue about how the library community of your district will help get us over the top on the TAKS test.
One thing every librarian ought to do is show the principal a list of students who are below standard on TAKS reading and give him a leveled reading list for each student to get them up to par as quickly as possible. Send it home to parents. Come up with programs that encourage to students to read. Ask the principal for prizes, contests, schoolwide, events to promote reading.
Like you, I hate the fact that the TAKS test is driving every aspect of school life in Texas, but it is our reality for now and for the immediate future.
Date: 09/29/2008
Name: Information not available
Library: Information not available
Comments and Suggestions: I think it is very important to have a qualified, professional librarian, but it is also important to have clerical assistance to allow the librarian to directly help students. You may have a fabulous collection, but if you can't help match students to their interests, the books will not be found. It is difficult to collaborate with teachers if you can't get out of the library or have uninterupted time to collaborate.
Date: 09/29/2008
Name: Irma Lopez
Library: Crockett Elementary
Comments and Suggestions: We need more Spanish books for our bilingual students, in both the school and local libraries. Thank you.
Date: 09/29/2008
Name: Fay L. Ash
Library: Woodson K-8 HoustonISD
Comments and Suggestions: I would love to service all students and staff members who want to come to the library, but I can't do that because I am acting as an ancillary teacher. I keep the elementary classes so that the teachers can have a forty-five minute planning period. I think that a librarian should have the time to teach research skills to the middle school students before they go off to high school. Technology needs to improve in schools that are predominantly African American. Students from neighborhoods of this ethnicity suffer when they get to high school and college because they haven't had the technology exposure. In short, districts need to do better in servicing all races.
Date: 09/30/2008
Name: Information not available
Library: Information not available
Comments and Suggestions: There is a need for reading material which reflects citizenship, love of country and personal responsibility even at an elementary level. I, personally, have a single copy of a history series from the 50's-60's from the Macmillan company that reflects these standards. The title is THE STORY OF AMERICAN FREEDOM.
Also, the content of fictional books often has very dark plotlines, often using very disturbed parenting examples, and offering little in content for good character development. The young people of today need hope and a sense of purpose. This can be included in fictional as well as factual material for them. Our teenagers need encouragement for a bright and courageous future. Personal responsibility, integrity, and honor are part of that hope.
Date: 09/30/2008
Name: Kay McBride
Library: Pasadena ISD
Comments and Suggestions: I have read the survey and read the comments. If I am reading correctly, funding is the primary need we all have. Funding would add certified librarians, clerks, books (English and Spanish), technologies,training and more.
But I wonder how we would be held accountable should all our needs be met? To be sure, accountability would be required of us. Jim (HISD) is right. It is up to us. I don't think anything will be just handed to libraries because we say so. Someone is going to have to be accountable.
Date: 09/30/2008
Name: Marcia Garman Zorn
Library: Shady Oaks Elementary, Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD
Comments and Suggestions: I am impressed by the thoroughness of the study and the report of its findings, and particularly pleased that the language in which it is written is much easier to understand than that used in previous drafts.
It is great that so many teachers were able to participate, but I wish that more campus and district administrators had been able to do that, as I think that their input is crucial. Perhaps TEA might encourage that?
It is my hope that TEA will make enforcement of the suggested standards imperative, and that a school's evaluation according to the standards be included in the accountability system currently used to rank our schools.
Sincere thanks to all who have been responsible for the hard work this report reflects! We really appreciate your efforts!
Date: 10/02/2008
Name: Dixie Allen
Library: Librarian, Harris Academy, Aldine ISD, Houston, TX
Comments and Suggestions: The importance of this issue is reflected in not only the depth of the responses but also in the voices that are being represented. Librarians, principals and program managers all acknowledge the need for something to be done to better the libraries, materials, services, and circumstances that dictate this invaluable resource for our schools. I have been in education for 18 years with 13 of those as a librarian. One of the most instrumental actions I can take is to be an advocate for what is best to create lifelong readers and to impact student achievement. Documentation is the key. Bragging is the name of the game. The librarians in our district for some time have been responsible for compiling statistical information each month quantifying and qualifying data that will support what we do each day. Our Program Directors have used this information to prepare and present comparison data to our administrators to show growth and need. And, we are encouraged to meet with our own principal to share what has taken place in our library and to garner support for various programs and activities. There is still room to grow-fewer librarians on rotation, increased funding to cover books and technology, and so forth. But weâre getting there. Providing such documentation to support the TSLAC/TEA Study of the Needs of Public School Libraries might give us all a better chance at being able to do the job we were all drawn to do.
Date: 10/02/2008
Name: Janet Hilbun
Library: Professor--Texas Woman's University
Comments and Suggestions: More emphasis on certified school librarians as well as paraprofessionals to support the school librarians. Too many districts are replacing certified school librarians with paraprofessionals who are not teachers and who are not trained to really handle the management of a school library.
Date: 10/02/2008
Name: Angela Washington-Blair, Ph.D.
Library: Emmett J. Conrad High School, Dallas ISD
Comments and Suggestions: This is an exciting time to be an information professional. Yes, there are challenges. I am employed at a school that is fairly new; with a very diverse student body...many languages are spoken at our school and we have been struggling with TAKS success. But our students have been reading and checking out books. We have been teaching orientation sessions to classes where we introduce the databa<x>ses. Both teachers and students are excited about the richness of the online resources. So we are thankful for those databa<x>ses. They greatly increase our collection. So don't stop the databa<x>ses. We are a school with 1,300 + students, but we only have 7,000 books. Less than the minimal standard - we know, but we make up for it by being enthusiastic and cheerful and knowledgeable about information literacy. We collaborate with teachers, and host reading clubs. We even buy multiple copies of books from the Twilight series with our own money...because that is keeping our students reading! My desire is to have an exemplary collection and library program. We are striving to have a welcoming and service-oriented library. My co-worker and I are finding joy in creatively building up our collection. We are blessed to be able to do what we love. We have the staffing, so now we are working on the collection. Our District LMS department is very supportive of campus librarians. What I'd like to see is continued professional development by librarians...join and attend conferences (ALA, TLA, etc). But these things are costly...so maybe offer grants for professional development? But even if that does not occur, I applaud Texas State Libraries and TEA for keeping certified librarians in schools for the most part. Thank you for not going the way of Arizona or parts of California. I had the opportunity to sit in a library advocacy session with the "Spokane Moms" when I was at ALA this summer. We all need to become advocates for our programs and profession and recruit our constituents too.
Date: 10/03/2008
Name: Information not available
Library: Information not available
Comments and Suggestions: Our students deserve strong school libraries with qualified certified librarians and support staff such as library assistants.
Our students deserve new, up to date books in the library.
Our students deserve enough working computers in our school libraries to complete their projects and do research particularly those who don't have access at home.
Our teachers need access to quality databa<x>ses and up to date books which support the curriculum. Collaboration is a must.
Adequate funding and meeting State Standards will accomplish this.
Date: 10/03/2008
Name: Information not available
Library: Information not available
Comments and Suggestions: Working in two Elementary schools I see student-centered teaching and dedicated teachers. They need the support of the State and TEA to enable them to have Libraries which support the State Standards and provide up to date books and materials which support the curriculum for students. Access to working computers and access to databa<x>ses. Certified professional librarians with library assistants. Continuing education. Bilingual materials for bilingual students. All requires adequate funding - without it, our children are being left behind.
Date: 10/03/2008
Name: Rose Marie Carter
Library: Hauke Acad. Alt. Hi. School
Comments and Suggestions: Our library is significantly deficient on current books, reference & AV/computer resources; because we are an alternative school & have a much smaller population, we are 'really pentalized' when it comes to 'really needed dollars' to upgrade/update/ enhance our collection. Because I do not have any volunteers, student assistants nor parafessionals to assist in 'weeding', taking materials on a mobile, computer changes/ upgrading, etc. are esp. a daily concern*
Date: 10/03/2008
Name: LaDosca Kincaid
Library: Crowell School Library
Comments and Suggestions: Our school, our students and our towns need libraries that are staffed with certified librarians. It is my hope that the standards will implement strong guidelines that cover the need for certified librarians. These qualified librarians need to have classroom experience. With"teeth" from adopted state standards this qualification can be expected. The new databa<x>ses that are furnished to the school districts are wonderful and very much appreciated!
Date: 10/03/2008
Name: Information not available
Library: Information not available
Comments and Suggestions: It is so very important to fund a school library. I agree that there needs to be some type of governing body that enforces the standards. My school district does not meet the standards with budget, size, or staffing. We could do so much if these were requirements not just standards.
Date: 10/03/2008
Name: Laura Vasquez
Library: Arndt Elementary
Comments and Suggestions: I think that it is crucila for the library to become a major part of the campus. It is crucial that administration see tha Library as a a way of helping the students develop their academics.
Date: 10/03/2008
Name: Barbara Paciotti
Library: Barbara Bush MS, Irving TX w/ C-FB ISD
Comments and Suggestions: The Texas Administrative Code lists TEKS for 19 different subject areas. There are no TEKS for Information Literacy.
I don't see TEA requiring schools to meet School Library Programs Standards & Guidelines, especially those regarding a certified LMS, unless & until there are TEKS for Information Literacy. Non-LMS thinking will continue to be, there isn't a library curriculum, so why spend money on a library-media specialist?
We must convince TEA of the need to create Information Literacy TEKS in order to then convince them that they need a certified LMS to teach the InfoLit TEKS.
Date: 10/03/2008
Name: Deanne Vance
Library: Liberty Hill High School Library
Comments and Suggestions: Until adherence to state library standards and accountability for each school district's compliance are made mandatory by the legislature under the auspices of TEA, most school districts and administrators will continue to shove libraries and their programs to the back of the bus. Of course, it goes without saying that any law or mandate must be accompanied by the necessary funding to support school libraries.
Currently I am very fortunate to be in a district where all 5 campuses have a full-time certified librarian and full-time assistant. However, our elementary librarians continue to be in the rotation and to serve more as AR clerks and lunchroom monitors than as the highly qualified librarians that they are. Until the legislature and TEA recognize school libriaries as an essential requirement in each student's education, our libraries and staffs will continue to rate only as secondary pla<x>yers in the game of information literacy.
I do salute the legislature and the TSLAC in securing the online databa<x>ses for our schools. This has been a tremendous asset for our students districtwide. I also have to salute our state representative's office (Dan Gattis) as he had his aide call and talk to me about the need for and value of the databa<x>ses. We spoke for almost an hour as I walked him through the databa<x>ses and talked about the value for our schools. The call came after I had written Rep. Gattis's office about the need to continue the funding for online databa<x>ses in our public schools. Thus, I must agree that we as professionals must continue to "toot our own horns"(as my wise father always told me) and be the very best advocates we can be for library programs in the public schools.
Date: 10/03/2008
Name: Neil Krasnoff
Library: Lehman High School
Comments and Suggestions: I commend this steering committee for a job well done. I think I would highlight a number of things. First I think that librarians should play a leadership role in technology and school change, but they generally need a lot more training in how technology can be used to transform learning. Secondly, I also believe that this report needs a wider audience because school administrators have little vision about how technology and librarians can improve learning. Librarians need to be understood by administration and not left out of key decisions regarding curriculum and technology. I have fought long and hard for more respect, but countless times the administration pursues its ob<x>jectives without much concern for any long-term vision and without any regard for the librarian perspective.
Date: 10/03/2008
Name: Allison Quinn
Library: Vidor High School Library
Comments and Suggestions: Beginning next year, the Language Arts TEKS K-12 will include a separate strand that covers research skills. Research has always been a part of Language Arts, but has never been included as a separate TEKS strand for grades K-12. Next year, all Language Arts teachers must specifically teach research skills in order to cover their TEKS. This means that research will now be required through the TEKS for all students, and this positive change will directly affect school libraries throughout the state.
The wonderful statewide availability of online databa<x>ses in all schools will be a crucial element in teaching these research-related TEKS, and I am grateful that funding was allocated toward that end. Although the databa<x>se need has been rectified, there are other needs that will certainly present problems for districts in the state.
First, many districts still need to implement a comprehensive research program K-12 so that teachers and librarians teach research the same way, using the same techniques and terminology all the way through school.
Second, and of highest importance, many districts still lack the capability for librarians - primarily elementary librarians - to actually collaborate with teachers on teaching research. Throughout the state, countless elementary schedules are set up on a rotation, usually to give teachers a conference time. When libraries are on the rotation schedule, most teachers do not accompany their students to the library, which in turn leads to very little collaboration with the librarian. This is not optimum use of a certified librarian, and students are the ones who suffer the consequences.
With research skills included in the Language Arts TEKS next year, administrators should have new incentive to work to change these types of elementary schedules to most benefit the education of their students. Without a doubt, Texas librarians can help increase TAKS scores if their schedules allow them to utilize their professional expertise.
Finally, districts will need to ensure there are adequate technology tools available within each library. Every library K-12 needs computer and Internet access, preferably providing enough computers for an entire class of students to learn research skills at one time. Librarians, teachers, and students, working together in an optimum environment for information gathering will culminate in literacy skills that students will utilize and build on throughout their lives.
My hope is that the inclusion of research as a separate strand of the K-12 TAKS will provide another impetus to the state and to local districts to put the funding where the requirements are, i.e. implement research programs to standardize terminology and skills throughout the district, provide K-12 librarians time to work directly with teachers to present and enhance lessons, and guarantee students adequate research technology tools within each library. Libraries can and should make the difference in student literacy, but adequate state funding in the key.
Date: 10/04/2008
Name: Susi Parks Grissom
Library: Travis Vanguard and Academy, Dallas ISD
Comments and Suggestions: The current and well-publicized financial crisis in our school district, resulting in a Reduction in Force (RIF) , highlights the importance of the identified critical need, âProfessional library staff to meet needs of students, teachers, & the school community, in accordance with the School Library Standards & the SBEC Standards for Certification .â Meaningful statewide support for a librarian on each campus underscores the integral role that the school librarian plays in learning and academic success. No campus should be without one!
The K-12 databa<x>ses currently funded through the Technology Allotment is also critical to student researchers at all levels and need to continue. School librarians need to be proactive, however, in providing instruction on how to use these powerful resources. Teachers arenât going to promote the databa<x>ses in their classrooms or to their students unless librarians showcase these online resources in faculty and departmental meetings, through email reminders, and in collaboration with individual teachers. Parents, also, need to know how their students can access the databa<x>ses at home, again a school librarian teaching opportunity.
Iâm grateful for the time, thought, and energy that was spent on this study and hope that the final report to the Texas Legislature will be a step toward strengthening public school libraries across the state. All help is appreciated at this critical time.
Date: 10/04/2008
Name: Library Information is Unknown
Library: Library Information is Unknown
Comments and Suggestions: A school library collection should provide updated materials and a variety of high interest books for all readers.
Students should all have an opportunity to have access to a computer or laptop.
Date: 10/05/2008
Name: Kathy Rains
Library: MLIS Student
Comments and Suggestions: A strong library is a must in a school district. The librarian should be certified and should have ample support staff to meet the needs of the students they serve. With all the emphasis on test scores and student achievement, the library is the most overlooked resource available. Certified librarians can have an impact on test scores and the overall academic success of the school.
Date: 10/05/2008
Name: Mary Luker
Library: MLIS Student
Comments and Suggestions: Every effort should be made to equalize access to technology and a librarianâs services. Some libraries do not offer updated technological resources because the funds are not available. Studies have proven qualified librarians improve student achievement academically and emotionally. Everything possible should be done to ensure student success.
Date: 10/05/2008
Name: Faye Davis
Library: Elementary
Comments and Suggestions: I am elated to see a survey of this magnitude and know that it will be reviewed by those persons who can make a difference in the Librarian professional.
Funding is needed for library materials and state-of-the-art technology (i.e., laptop computer).
I would like to see funding for the continued professional development of librarians. Also, there needs to be a review of the librarian profession in regards to salary.
Actually, I could go into the classroom, just as a certified teacher and my salary would be the same as librarian. However, librarians are required to have a dual certification -- as a teacher and as a School Librarian. Counselors on the other hand have the same requirements as librarians, however, their payscale is higher than the classroom teacher. Librarians, as specialists, should at least be on the same pay scale as Counselors.
Also, think educating administrators about the role libraries play is critical.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment.
Date: 10/06/2008
Name: Cheryl Salois
Library: James E. Taylor HS Library
Comments and Suggestions: You have put together a good document and I like the way you immediately addressed funding, resources and recognition. Aligning us with TEA is critical as is our inclusion in the PIEMS reporting system because both get the attention of school administrators. I hope the readers of the document read through pages 12 and 13 because some of the recommendations listed on those two pages are crucial to our cause. Those seem to be buried in the document. Hopefully, you can move them, highlight them or put them in a box to draw attention to them. Revising our standards and making them mandatory, ensuring a school librarian for each campus, educational instruction for all school administrators, etc. are all necessary. Also necessary if and when we are aligned with TEA (or TSLAC) is having a full time school library person hired to represent us and work at TEA (or TSLAC) with Anita, Karen, etc. Thanks.
Date: 10/06/2008
Name: Sylvia Leal
Library: Drew Academy, AldineISD
Comments and Suggestions: Texas school libraries are severely handicapped without certified librarians, and librarians are handicapped without paraprofessionals. Librarians need to have certified/qualified paraprofessionals to adequately provide collaborative lessons and to provide the technology expertise required in the ever-changing, evolutionary teaching in libraries. The libraries of today must have the adequate technology and computers to serve the needs of our students.
Date: 10/06/2008
Name: Maryam Mathis
Library: James Bowie Elementary - Dallas ISD
Comments and Suggestions: As more and more "digital natives" enter our schools, it is critical that we address their learning styles and information processing habits. We need to provide them with a variety of information sources, including books, CD's, DVD's, streaming video, databa<x>ses, interactive lessons. For Texas children to be able to compete in the world of higher education and the workplace, we must continue to provide them with these essential resources. Please support the future of our kids with renewed and increased funding for Texas libraries.
Date: 10/06/2008
Name: Kathy Jones
Library: Amarillo ISD Education Support Center-Library Director
Comments and Suggestions: Must have full-time librarians and clerks on every campus. The state needs to pick up the cost of the staffing so more books and databa<x>ses can be purchased for each library from local budgets. Having full-time personnel is the only way librarians can work effectively with students and teacher collaboratively and flexibly. Right now, my elementary and middle school librarians have way to many housekeeping duties that keep them from the work they need to do with teachers and students.
Date: 10/06/2008
Name: Information not available
Library: Information not available
Comments and Suggestions: I fully agree with this statement. "I think the needs are adequately relected on this report; however, I think it needs to be overseen by TEA and tied into the accountability rating. Recommendations are all good and well but if there are no consequences for non-compliance, what difference does it make how many studies are done."
I think until the schools have to comply, they will not. It is essential to have a full time librarian and an aide on every campus. My campus is an elementary campus of 750 students and I am full time, but I have no help at all. I spend most of time shelving books. I really need two aides in order to collaborate with the teachers like I need to and to provide point of need service to my library patrons.
Date: 10/06/2008
Name: Jeanne Martinez
Library: Palo Alto College, ACCD
Comments and Suggestions: The information literacy skills em<x>bedded within the TEKS need to be emphasized through collaborative instruction between librarians and classroom teachers. Students are using the internet to seek information for a variety of reasons and many are doing so without benefit of information skills instruction that is li<x>nked to classroom activities (thus not being very successful). Critical thinking skills related to digital information is an important 21st century skill that I feel is being understated and under-taught in many K-12 schools today. Some would blame the high TAKS focus for this. I'm not sure where the blame lays, but I do know that the skills are meant to be taught in various subject areas and thus in many classrooms, including libraries!
Date: 10/06/2008
Name: Jane Romine
Library: Snyder High School Library
Comments and Suggestions: Although there are school library standards in the state of Texas, the standards are not mandated. Because of this, few schools will follow the standards if not required to do so. Most states have a mandate in which a school with a population of 500 must have a CERTIFIED librarian and a library aide. At 1,000, there must be 2 librarians and a library aide. Although the libary standards in Texas recommend something similar, it is not a requirement; therefore, many schools opt to hire more football coaches or other personnel, and then just put a book warehouse person in the library. There are many administrators and principals who do not understand the role of a librarian. Although TLA has great conferences concerning this, I am not aware of TEA or TASB (the group governing the Texas school boards) offering any such programs at their conventions. Because of this, if a principal does not choose to attend TLA preconferences or conferences, he/she does not get the vital information about libaries. Also, unless a principal is already aware of the importance of a vibrant library program, he/she would not even go to a TLA conference. Perhaps it is time to lobby TEA and TASB in order to get across the importance of information skills and a strong library program. Until certified libarians are mandated for the schools, some administrations will continue to cut that professional position in order to put money elsewhere.
Date: 10/06/2008
Name: Texas Association of School Librarians
Library: Information not available
Comments and Suggestions: Texas Association of School Libraries
Comments on the Study of the Needs of Public School Libraries
Submitted October 3, 2008
On behalf of the school librarians in Texas, the Texas Association of School Librarians (TASL), a division of the Texas Library Association, we would like to respond to the Study of the Needs of Public School Libraries Report. Foremost, we wish to commend the staff of both the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) and the Texas Education Agency (TEA), as well as the Report Steering Committee, for drafting this report. The TASL board appreciates the time and effort that was required by all involved. We are pleased with this effort and begin our comments by affirming our support for this fine document.
The majority of our comments concern a need for additional context in some of the discussions of findings as well as specific suggestions for the recommendations, including reassigning agency responsibility in certain areas. We have no substantive issue with any part of the report; and, indeed, applaud the insight of drafters in fulfilling their charge.
Comments about the Survey Instrument
While additional funds were not allocated for this effort, staff at both agencies worked diligently to prepare a broad and significant report. We do note that, because of the inherent limitations in resources for this study, data from educators in the field (which is the foundation for much of the report) was limited to an online survey. While that instrument certainly proved useful in determining broad areas of need, the numerical results of the survey do not necessarily present the expectations of educators in the field.
Analysis of the survey findings in several key instances should take into consideration several key factors (such as respondentsâ limited knowledge about agenciesâ jurisdictions and programs). While overall we believe that the survey findings are a good mirror for needs in the field, a contextual analysis of the responses would be of benefit.
For instance, one of the primary questions concerned the issue of statewide databa<x>ses. An overwhelming majority stated that the resource was extremely important to education. When asked what agency should administer the databa<x>ses, the responses pointed generally toward TEA. We know from years of focus group meetings, discussions with librarians, and other assessment vehicles that librarians are less concerned about who provides the resources than with: 1) having the resources available statewide; 2) aligning those resources (as much as possible) with other library resources; and 3) ensuring that there is a strong curricular component (i.e., teaching resources, sample lesson plans, and template assignments) associated with the databa<x>ses.
From past experience, we know that the TSLAC is positioned to negotiate the best rates for electronic resources (given the agencyâs ongoing administration of the TexShare program), while the Texas Education Agency, as the driver of curriculum models, is in the best position to provide educational support. Thus, the overwhelming sense from the field (over the last several years) has been a need for a hybrid solution in which both TEA and TSLAC play a role in deploying the databa<x>ses, which is basically the scenario we have now. The final recommendations in this report should reflect this shared role. We believe many responses focused on TEA out of a need to highlight the curricular component and because many educators remembered that, for many years in the late 1990s and early 2000s, TEA ran a similar program.
Another example is that of the collection of data. The survey results indicate that the majority of respondents would like the State Library to collect school library data. However, over the last several years in countless meetings, focus groups, and reports, the school library community has expressed an urgent desire to have statistics on school libraries collected that would provide their own (as well as statewide decision-makers) information about school library operations in general and in relation to other data collected from campuses and districts. We believe that many librarians indicated that TSLAC should collect data only because the State Library already collects data on community public libraries, not necessarily because that is the best way of obtaining that data.
A compelling case can be made that the idealâand most easily implementedâ solution is to have TEA collect such information through its existing data collection tools. While TEA has jurisdiction over such matters for all school districts and can achieve data collection from all districts, the State Library has no such jurisdiction and would not be able to assure: 1) the collection of data from all districts; 2) align the collections of school library data with other information reported to TEA; and 3) report out information in such a way that would be an easily useable tool for district administrators.
The Report recommendations list such data collection under the purview of the State Library ba<x>sed on the survey results. However, given the limitations of the survey and having knowledge of field reports and anecdotes, we believe strongly that educators and librarians would most benefit by (and favor) the collection of data through the Texas Education Agency. We do believe, however, that the State Library has a unique and necessary role in analyzing that information for the purpose of evaluating the statewide provision of all library (including public library) resources.
We ask that in the cases noted above, the Report include these concerns in the discussion of findings and, in the case of the data collection, in the recommendations as well.
Recommendations
Our primary focus in providing comments is on the recommendations put forward in the draft. We are very pleased by the forward-thinking approach to education and the sound ideas put forward to provide a stronger and equitable learning infrastructure for all the stateâs students.
Proposed Revisions to the Recommendations for Each Entity, pages 11-13
We would like to offer the following revisions to the draft as presented. We have chosen to focus on the agenciesâ roles, since establishing future directions for these state bodies is the primary function of this study. The Texas Association of School Librarians would like to suggest that the Steering Committee make the following changes in the responsibility that each agency would hold in supporting school libraries in Texasâ Public Schools.
The Texas Education Agency should be responsible for the following:
1. Ensure that every student in the state of Texas has access to the instructional services of a professional school librarian at his or her campus.
2. Ensure the professional status of school librarians as teachers critical to student learning and achievement.
3. Provide funding to enable school libraries to meet the Standards and Guidelines.
4. Require district accountability for meeting statewide standards for public school libraries.
5. Provide online databa<x>ses to support TEKS and student success (in collaboration with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission and Local Districts). See TSLAC recommendation 2.
6. See that technology is in place to support TEKS and student success.
7. Collaborate with Texas State Library and Archives Commission and Local Districts to provide continuing education on topics critical for the success of students and the school library program.
8. Develop a long-range plan for the school library ba<x>sed on evaluation of the program using the Standards and Guidelines.
9. Ensure that all campuses in the State of Texas have identified a school librarian who serves each campus and have entered this and other key library program data into PEIMS and other data collection systems.
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission should be responsible for the following:
1. Collaborate with other libraries to share resources, programs, and expertise.
2. Provide online databa<x>ses to support TEKS and student success (in collaboration with the Texas Education Agency and Local Districts). See TEA recommendation 5.
3. Provide analysis and review of data and statistics on public school libraries statewide as collected by The Texas Education Agency.
4. Collaborate with The Texas Education Agency and Local Districts to provide continuing education on topics critical for the success of students and the school library program.
We also ask that the order in which the recommendations are listed be changed to the following order: TEA, TSLAC, and local districts.
âOther Recommendations ba<x>sed on Input from the Studyâ should be categorized by the entity which should be responsible for their action:
Texas Education Agency:
⢠Provide funding to enable school libraries to meet the recommendations of the School Library Standards and the Long-Range Plan for Technology, 2006-2020.
⢠Call for the School Library Standards to be revised to ensure appropriateness and usefulness over time, perhaps using the new AASL Standards for the 21st Century Learner as well as other recent examples of library standards.
⢠Call for the School Library Standards to become mandatory for schools to use to document progress in meeting the standards and providing services to schools.
⢠Ensure necessary funding to support library programs and recognize those that are rated Exemplary.
⢠Ensure that all campuses in the State of Texas have identified a professional school librarian offering with library services available to students and educators.
⢠Provide support and training for ensure the highest quality school library programs through the 20 regional Education Service Centers across the state.
Texas Education Agency and Texas State Library and Archives Commission:
⢠Continue to fund and support the online research and information resources to ensure equal access to quality educational resources no matter a schoolâs size, location, or socioeconomic status.
Texas Education Agency and Schools of Education:
⢠Provide support for the educator preparation and professional development needed to become a certified librarian, increasing the availability of these librarians for schools across the state.
⢠Include educational instruction at the academic/certification levels for pre-service teachers, teachers, and administrators regarding school libraries, statewide school library standards, and the impact librarians and libraries make to student achievement.
Future Directions
This section of the report mentions the need for continued data collections and collaboration. We suggest that the report specify methods for continuing work in this area, such as the creation of a joint group (formed through both agencies) to make further progress on the reportâs recommendations and to assist both agencies in planning services.
Concluding Remarks
Study of the Needs of Public School Libraries is a remarkable document. It is, to our knowledge, the first of its kind in Texas: a state-driven assessment of educatorsâ perceptions on how Texas can better service its students through school libraries. The report eloquently notes the essential role of school libraries and professional librarians. We believe that adoption and implementation of the recommendations included in this report are essential to the overall success of Texas students.
We offer our deepest thanks to TSLAC, TEA, and the Steering Committee on their outstanding work and contribution to the children of our state through this effort.
Respectfully Submitted by the Texas Associations of School Librarians, a division of the Texas Library Association
Contacts:
Jackie Chetzron, Chair, Texas Association of School Librarians
Cindy Buchanan, Chair-Elect, Texas Association of School Librarians
Jennifer LaBoon, Chair, TASL Legislative & Advocacy Committee
Date: 10/06/2008
Name: Diana O'Connor
Library: Irma Rangel Young Women's Leadership School, Dallas ISD
Comments and Suggestions: There is an absolute need for students to become critical evaluators and adept users of electronic information. I am so grateful for the K-12 Databa<x>se Package provided in September, 2007, by the state legislature because it illustrates a statewide understanding of information access in the future. I would have believed that it would rank higher in the Needs Assessment Survey, and would suggest that ba<x>sed on the financial resources allocated to this item, it needs to be one of the continued top priorities of funding to school libraries.
One of the keys to ensuring widespread use of electronic resources, including databa<x>ses, is that library media specialists educate their campus faculty about using the databa<x>ses so that they in turn can instruct their students so that their use becomes second nature and the norm, not an obstacle that has to be re-learned with each new project.
Regional training for librarians in databa<x>se usage is a critical component of this pyramid structure of databa<x>se education so that we can be the instructors for our buildings. I would strongly advocate for more training that is updated with changes/additions to the databa<x>ses, and the insistence of our profession that these resources are not optional to the research process, but are essential.
Date: 10/06/2008
Name: Merri Lynne Alexander
Library: Hillcrest High School, Dallas ISD
Comments and Suggestions: Thanks to all involved in gathering the information for this study! Thankfully the state has increased funding for the K-12 Electronic Databa<x>ses, but most TX school libraries need more funding for updated technology to access those electronic resources.(Our PTSA helped us obtain new computers this year, but not all schools have PTAs which can pay for infrastructure.) I agree with many of those who commented that school libraries need to be under TEA and that we need our programs and staffing mandated by the state. Otherwise, we tend to be seen as just peripheral to the educational process and thus expendable when budgets are downsized.
Date: 10/06/2008
Name: Julia Campbell
Library: Carroll Elementary School
Comments and Suggestions: First a suggestion - I would like to see TEA & TSLAC work with school librarians to create a scope/sequence for Texas school libraries aligning our national info lit standards with our TEKS for K-12. With the release of the AASL Standards for the 21st Century, this seems like a good time to consider doing this.
Second, I'm wondering if this is happening elsewhere. So I want to share how one small Texas school district seems to be devaluing their highly qualified school librarians - Before SBEC's new requirements for school librarian certification in 2001, this school district paid teachers & librarians with a master's degree an additional stipend for their post graduate education.
However, after 2001, when the master's degree became a requirement by SBEC for school librarian certification, this district stopped paying the additional stipend to it's highly qualified master degreed librarians who started working in the district after 2001.
The district's rationale for this: Since a master's degree is required for the school librarian position, the librarian should not be paid an additional stipend.
I have always be in favor of higher standards for school librarian certification. However, I am disheartened that a district would interpret the higher standards in such a way to get around paying librarians the additional stipend their master degreed teacher colleagues receive.
Am wondering if this is a common practice in all the districts?
Date: 10/07/2008
Name: Marci Peschke
Library: Kramer Elementary
Comments and Suggestions: I think some of us would reconsider our responses in light of recent events. Due to the desperate situation we are facing with the economy many districts will be unable to provide much needed funding to purchase the necessary library materials (books, etc...) to meet their students' educational needs, so they will need the state to step in and suppliment library budgets.
Date: 10/07/2008
Name: Mary Woodard
Library: Mesquite ISD
Comments and Suggestions: I agree with the recommendation in the report that TEA be responsible for data collection on school libraries. It seems to me that it would be much easier, more effective and more appropriate for TEA to add school libraries to PEIMS, than it would be for TSLAC to create a new data collection system where one does not currently exist.
Date: 10/09/2008
Name: Robin Cox
Library: Oveta Culp Hobby Elementary School, Ft. Hood, TX
Comments and Suggestions: I would like the language of the report to include imperatives--funding for public school libraries to meet exemplary standards in terms of media as well as technology.
Date: 10/29/2008
Name: Connie Sue Pinkerton-Lopez
Library: J. T. Canales Elementary School
Comments and Suggestions: Texas Library Standards should be in place as mandated by the state, instead of just being standards. Otherwise, administrators can choose whether or not they wish to follow these standards.
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