[Libs-Or] ESEA Reauthorization Letter Writing

[Stephanie Thomas]

Hello School Library Supporters,

The reauthorization of ESEA (the Elementary and Secondary Education Act)
currently known as No Child Left Behind is finally being addressed in
Congress. Language is being drafted by both the Senate HELP Committee and
the House Education & Workforce Committee in Washington, DC. Although the
major points of contention are over student testing and teacher evaluation,
this is the time to try to impact our Congressmen to add provisions for
school libraries.

Therefore, the next two months will be an opportune time for library and
education advocates to contact lawmakers and advocate the American Library
Association/American Association of School Librarians position:

1. Maintain dedicated federal funding for school libraries;

2. Staff school libraries with state-licensed school librarians,

3. Provide professional development funds to be used for recruiting and
training school librarians

Please contact House of Representatives member* Suzanne Bonamici
(http://bonamici.house.gov/ <http://www.casey.senate.gov/contact>)* who
serves on the House Education and Workforce Committee.
<http://www.help.senate.gov/> Ask her to ensure that the three bullet
points above are included in the ESEA Reauthorization which is now being
drafted.

________________________________

Related legislation FYI....


Senators Reed and Cochran introduce school library bill
Last week, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) joined Senate Appropriations
Committee Chairman Thad Cochran (R-MS) in introducing the SKILLS Act
(S.312). Key improvements to the program include expanding professional
development to include digital literacy, reading and writing instruction
across all grade levels; focusing on coordination and shared planning time
between teachers and librarians; and ensuring that books and materials are
appropriate students with special learning needs, including English
learners.

-- 
Stephanie A. Thomas, MLS, M.Ed.
Teacher Librarian, Parkrose High School
Adjunct Instructor, Portland State University
OASL President 2014-2015
ALA Emerging Leader 2013
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