H.R. 2864 would amend the provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 regarding school library media specialists.
Detailed Summary
Strengthening Kids' Interest in Learning and Libraries Act or the SKILLs Act - Amends title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to authorize appropriations for FY2008 for the Improving Literacy through School Libraries grant program.
Requires states and local educational agencies (LEAs) that receive school improvement funds to ensure that by the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year there is at least one highly qualified school library media specialist in every school that receives such funds.
Requires Improving Literacy through School Libraries funds to be: (1) proportionally distributed to serve students in elementary, middle, and high schools; (2) used for media resources appropriate for all grades; and (3) used for professional development in information literacy instruction that is appropriate for all grades.
Expands the program of grants to states and subgrants to LEAs for the recruitment, retention, and professional development of teachers to require that highly qualified school library media specialists be included in the focus of such efforts.
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 9/11/2007: Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education.
Points in Favor
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Points Against
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Visitor Comments
Brian Sander
This legislation, while well-intentioned, would put older librarians out of work -- many of whom are reaching retirement age. As it is written, this is a cruel law. To be fair, it should factor in existing librarians and SLOWLY phase them out, not eliminate their jobs and ignore their decades of previous experience for a group of people who could not possibly go back to school for the needed education.
Dusty Montgomery
I'm sorry, but I disagree. Our school district has a qualified, certified media specialist in every building. As they are retiring, our district is replacing them with an unqualified teacher's aide to cut costs. Their rationale is if Congress thinks qualified specialists are important, they would require them. It's time we do just that. . . .
S. Miller
This is needed legislation. Older librarians will not be put out of work. No current librarian who is certified will be let go. I think that many people have the misconception that to be a librarian, you do not have to go to school let alone be "certified". Library Media Specialists need to be certified to teach students the important skill of media literacy. I am a "teacher-librarian" who is certified and I am in a district that is trying to replace media specialists with unqualified teachers aides (some with no college at all!). Our children deserve better.
J. Jensen
I agree that this legislation is crucial for districts that wish to attain a high quality of education for their students. Certified Library Media Specialists have training in media, technology, and are teachers!
Districts that are cutting their highly qualified Library Media Specialists to save money are being very short-sighted.
K. Clemons
This legislation is incredibly important. Being a librarian is more than just checking books out and shelving items. Reader advisory, selecting age and reading level appropriate materials, providing research support for teachers and students--these are all issues that take a lot of effort and knowledge to do correctly. I, personally, have a MLS degree with a concentration in Information Needs of Youth, and I've passed the state certification test. However, I've been passed over for 3 school library jobs in 4 years because classroom teachers wanted a break from the classroom and decided to move into the library. That's not fair to someone like me who has worked hard to be qualified, and more importantly, it's not fair to the kids who have to put up with a less than qualified school librarian. At least I know what a MARC record is and how to use it--I seriously doubt those classroom teachers can claim the same.