Federal Legislation
For the latest information on federal legislative issues about school libraries, refer to this LibGuide.
REAUTHORIZATION OF ESEA
NCLB has expired and the Obama Administration will revert back to the original name-the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The reauthorization language is being worked on now. Read AASL's Position on the Reauthorization of ESEA from January 2011. Some of the intent and language from the former SKILLS (Strengthening KIds' Interest in Learning and Libraries) Act which was unsuccessful in passing the last two Congressional sessions, may be included. ALA wants the inclusion of the following in the reauthorization:
- Every school should have a fully funded school library staffed by a full-time, state-certified school librarian,
- Allow state and local teacher professional development funds to be used for recruiting and training schoool librarians, and
- Maintain dedicated funding for the Improving Literacy through School Libraries program.
For More Information:
ALA's Elementary and Secondary Education Act & Libraries
ALA Resources on the Reauthorization of ESEA
ALA's Office of Government Relations "School Libraries Brief" June 2011
ALA's Office of Government Relations "Highlights of Federal Legisaltive Issues for Library Advocates" June 2011
ALA's Office of Government Relations "Library Appropriations" June 2011
Sec. of Education Arne Duncan's position on requiring school librarians- School Library Journal 7/5/2011
US Senator - Sen. Bob Casey (D)
Senator Casey's web page contact form
US Senator - Sen. Pat Toomey (R)
DC Office: 202-224-4254
Senator Toomey's web page contact form
Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA)
On December 22, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Museum and Library Service Act which reauthorized programs administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). For an update, read the ALA's Ofice of Government Relations LSTA Update dated December 2010.
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Secretary of Education Arne Duncan quoted in the 2/5/09 issue of US News and World Report:
"My concern is that hundreds of thousands of good teachers, not just bad teachers, are going to go, and that would be devastating," he says. "It is to no one's advantage if class size skyrockets or librarians get eliminated or school counselors disappear."
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Improving Literacy Through School Libraries
In May 2011, the US Dept. of Education zero funded this competitive grant program which was the ONLY federal program aimed directly at improving the school library collection, staffing, and programming of impoverished schools. Read the School Library Journal article. Go to the ALERTS page for plans to reinstate this needed program.
Federal Legislative Links
Search and follow federal legislation at:
Open Congress http://www.opencongress.org
GovTrack.us http://www.govtrack.us
National School Library Funding News Items (from ALA)
AASL Hotlinks, the monthly newsletter, often has updates on the latest federal legislation.
Issue Briefs from the ALA's Office of Government Relations
Webinar on the 112th Congress
"New Ideas for Connecting with the 112th Congress Legislators: New Messages, Traditional Tactics" is an ALA Washington Office webinar by Stephanie Vance, the "Advocacy Guru"
Act4SL - Act for School Libraries, Act for Student Learning
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Act4SL is a national grassroots effort to ensure that every preK-12 student has access to a quality school library program and a certified school librarian. The primary target is to get language in the reauthorization of ESEA to include school libraries and librarians. At their site, you can sign up for immediate "calls to action" and learn more on the movement. Print out a trifold wallet card to guide you through a call to your legislator. Watch the YouTube video on how to use the card. |
NLLD - National Library Legislative Day, May 9-10, 2011
NLLD is a day organized by ALA when librarians visit Washington, DC, participate in ALA information sessions, and then visit their federal legislators. Read the ALA blog for details.
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BEST SOURCE: To Stay Current on Legislative Library Happenings in Washington From ALA’s Washington Office sorted to view “School Libraries” |
Need help navigating resources on the ALA’s Washington Office site, download “How to Use the Washington Office” handout!