The United States no longer has a workforce dependent on operating machinery and performing repetitive tasks. Educators are therefore challenged to change the way students learn and to provide a workforce that is innovative and that has the ability to design new jobs. To do this, students must learn to be problem solvers, to create products that meet real needs, to demonstrate leadership in presenting ideas, and to connect learning to community imperatives. School libraries can help meet these challenges for all students.
School library programs provide context to learning, synthesis of curriculum, and real-life applications of concepts. They can act as the great equalizer when it comes to educating all students and preparing them for the 21st century, and they can offer all students resources and information that can support every facet of their life and learning.
Diverse learners such as Limited English Proficient (LEP) students require equal access to information and resources. School library media specialists provide quality instruction in every subject area so that students can become independent, lifelong learners.
More than 60 studies have affirmed the link between school
library media specialists and student achievement.
Libraries with print-rich resources and up-to-date technology can also close the gap between privileged and at-risk students. In this time of accountability and assessment, studies show that a well-stocked library staffed by a licensed library media specialist results in increases of 10 to 20 percent on standardized tests. Since 1965, more than 60 studies have affirmed the link between school library media specialists and student achievement. Across the United States, research has shown that students in schools with strong school library programs learn more, get better grades, and score higher on standardized tests than their peers in schools without such programs. School library media programs offer a lottery ticket for enhanced learning that is guaranteed to win!
Obstacles by the Book
Despite evidence that libraries improve student academic achievement, school library media centers face their own challenges. In a time of tough economic decisions, school library media program funds and staff are being cut. Lack of up-to-date resources in the form of computers and books is a barrier for school library media programs. Most disturbing is the lack of universal understanding by teachers, administrators and parents of what good school library media programs can contribute to student learning.
Although the No Child Left Behind law was instituted to provide equal learning to all students, in reality it created an educational system in which the core areas of math, science and reading are often taught in isolation and at the expense of the target skills identified for students to be successful in the 21st century. The challenge with NCLB is that in an increasingly global world, students must be taught to seek multiple perspectives, gather and use information ethically, use social tools responsibly and safely, and practice self-inquiry. Studying for a standardized test often discourages such lessons.
To combat the budgetary difficulties and other roadblocks for library media programs, administrators must find alternative resources for funding and pursue strategic ways of incorporating 21st century skills that are taught by a library media specialist into their curriculum. There needs to be collaboration between teachers and school library media specialists, and supportive voices within the community that can make a difference should be utilized. Administrators need to stress the importance of having their library media specialist’s work recognized. School library media specialists should also be encouraged to apply for one of the American Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) awards that stress best practices in school libraries.
Today’s New Standards
AASL has unveiled its “Standards for the 21st Century Learner,” which again shows that media specialists play an essential role in preparing students to compete in the global community.
One of the unique changes represented in these library standards is their focus on student behavioral modification to include self-assessment strategies and self-awareness traits to produce lifelong learners. Library media specialists are ready to instruct and prepare students for understanding, learning, thinking and mastering subjects.
