Meeting of the Board of Regents | May 2007

SUMMARY

Issue for Discussion

How to effectively utilize the findings of current research demonstrating that strong, effective school libraries are a proven key to achieving higher learning standards.

Reason(s) for Consideration

Review of policy.

Proposed Handling

This issue will come before the Cultural Education Committee for discussion at the May meeting.  A brief presentation of research findings, progress to date and future threats and opportunities will be followed by discussion. 

Procedural History

The Regents are committed to the goals of ensuring that the educational system embodied in USNY enables every New Yorker to become a good reader.  To this end, t
he Regents adopted the ten recommendations of the 2000 Regents Commission on Library Services as their public policy, including one of the Commission’s recommendations that is particularly related to strengthening student achievement, literacy and school libraries:

No. 2:
“Ensure that all New York’s students are information literate by providing strong school library media programs that include appropriately certified professional staff, adequate resources, and technology.”

Background Information

Research from other states clearly shows that effective school libraries with certified librarians, large and diverse collections, and expanded Internet access raise student test scores and achievement levels ten to twenty percent, regardless of factors such as family economic level and school size. In the June 2003 New York State Court of Appeals decision, Chief Judge Judith Kaye specifically addressed the inadequacy of school libraries and urged the State to provide funding for up-to-date libraries that students need to succeed.

The Regents proposed an annual increase from $6.00 to $10.00 per pupil in School Library Materials Aid for 2006-2007.  The 2007-2008 State budget permanently increases School Library Materials Aid to $6.25 per pupil. This increase is the first since 1998 and is a most welcome start, but much more needs to be done to strengthen New York’s school library media centers.

Recommendation

The Regents

P-16 Education Reform Plan

and future Regents priority budget and legislative proposals for schools and libraries should support implementation of strong school library media programs for all of New York’s students.