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Since last fall, TLA has been working to bring media attention to the
plight of school libraries. As a result of TLA and ALA efforts, the
Dallas Morning News, the San Antonio Express, and the
Houston Chronicle all featured editorials or guest editorials on the
need for state decision leaders to include school library programs in the
definition of eligible direct instructional expenditures. TLA is
continuing to work with other media outlets to help decision makers
understand what is at stake and to inform the public of the dangers of
excluding school library programs from the “65% rule.”
Whenever a draft rule
is posted, the public will have 30 days to comment on the rule. Following
the posting period, TEA will hold a public hearing on the proposed rule.
All library supporters are urged to be a part of this process. In the
meantime, we continue to ask that you contact Commissioner Neeley and the
Governor’s Office to make them aware of the need to include school library
programs as part of the definition of instructional costs.
What You Can Do
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Contact the
commissioner of education and the Governor and let them know that school
library programs should be included in the definition of instructional
expenditures. Remember, our message is: Librarians are teachers;
libraries are classrooms.
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Get someone else to
contact these people! Ask your school board members, parent groups, your
library friends or foundation members, or other influential people in
your community to contact Commissioner Neeley and Governor Perry.
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Write a letter to the
editor of your local newspaper. See resources below for tips on
crafting your letter.
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Be ready to comment
on the draft rule and, if possible, plan to come to Austin for the
hearing. TLA will send out information about the hearing whenever it
becomes available.
Let TLA know what you are doing! Contact
gloriam@txla.org.
Talking points
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School librarians
constantly meet the diverse needs of diverse student bodies and are
simultaneously teachers, instructional partners, information
specialists, and program administrators.
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In their work, school
librarians collaborate with their fellow teachers to integrate
literature and information skills into the curriculum and to directly
support the specific curriculum being taught. They help students develop
a lifelong love of reading by providing access to current, high-quality,
high interest and extensive collections of books and other materials.
They train teachers and students to become skilled users of print and
electronic media resources. All of this translates directly back to the
classroom.
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Libraries ARE
instructional. Librarians teach classes and library materials are part
of the curriculum. To suggest otherwise is simply absurd.
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School libraries
serve every single student, and every teacher. Activities such as
football and band, which are considered “instructional” in Perry’s
proposed package, are neither instructional nor universal.
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School libraries have
changed with the times, and are more relevant than ever in the
information age. Students learn to use technology, how to search
databases, and to do research on the Internet in the library, with
supervision from librarians.
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Libraries are centers
of learning in schools. They help to instill and nurture lifelong love
of reading and learning, of research and inquiry. They support teachers
and students with the materials and the tools necessary for teaching and
learning.
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The ability to find
information in a library is a crucial part of children’s education and
their future success.
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School libraries are
much more than books. They are the nerve center for classroom
information and research. They are even a place for an athlete to
research the most effective football pass protection plan.
RESOURCES to help you craft your message
How to Write a Letter
to the Editor
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How to Schedule,
Plan, and Participate in an Editorial Board Visit
Other Resources:
http://geocities.com/txschlibrarian/
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