School Library Systems – Advocacy Toolkit

Testimony Samples

Testimony for NCLB - spoken version

Presented by Rocco Staino
President Elect
New York Library Association
Public Education Network: No Child Left Behind
October 7, 2004 St. John University, NY, NY

Vision, accountability, and the funding to make the power of school libraries a REALITY for all are at the heart of a future where no child is left behind.

I am here today to ask you to take a closer look at opportunity that is sometimes ignored. Take a closer look at genuine potential for closing the achievement gap, improving reading and student performance, earning better school report cards, and insuring EQUITY for all learners.

School library programs boost student performance. Fifteen state studies prove this. The boost occurs even when children live in impoverished conditions, socio-economic deprivation, and unstable families. Adding the power of a school library, instruction in information problem solving, access to quality resources, access to technology, and literacy opportunities to every child's experience translates into higher test scores, improved performance in reading, achievement of learning standards, and understanding of the real world that is a foundation for new learning.

If our commitment is to leave no child behind, have we brought this force to bear for all learners? Do economically disadvantaged communities have quality school library programs? Access to quality information and literacy resources? Instruction in information literacy by certified school library media specialists? Access to technology? I am here to suggest that No Child Left Behind legislation needs to guarantee that the answer to each of these questions is a resounding YES.

If the number of hours a child has flexible access to a school library per week or the number of hours a child engages in information literacy instruction per week add up to improved student performance, and they do, have we opened the door to the school library through the provisions of No Child Left Behind? If School Library Systems level the playing field for all learners through EQUITABLE access to resources, can we insure their continued role as funding challenges threaten their future?

School libraries do not leave children behind. They engage children in literacy, thinking, problem solving, real world connections, life long learning, understanding, choices, inquiry, exploration and forward motion toward a future filled with the promise every child deserves.


	School Library Systems - Advocacy Toolkit “It is not enough to care. You must act.” “In the budget equation, remember all learners.”


ALERT - Be part of the Sunflower Avalanche! ADVOCATE NOW! Sunflower Action Plan for School Library Systems 2008 ADVOCACY - Getting the ACTION started Introduction What are the Issues? Budget Hearing on Elementary and Secondary Education Contact NY Decision Makers How can I frame my message? School Libraries Do Make a Difference to KIDS Outcomes 21st Century Skills, the Workforce and School Libraries System Director's Legislative Visits Resources Brochures & Flyers Strategies Testimony Forms & Samples Advocacy Links AASL Standards for the 21st Century Learner Survey Results of School Libraries Count!		Testimony Samples Testimony for NCLB - spoken version Presented by Rocco Staino President Elect New York Library Association Public Education Network: No Child Left Behind October 7, 2004 St. John University, NY, NY Vision, accountability, and the funding to make the power of school libraries a REALITY for all are at the heart of a future where no child is left behind. I am here today to ask you to take a closer look at opportunity that is sometimes ignored. Take a closer look at genuine potential for closing the achievement gap, improving reading and student performance, earning better school report cards, and insuring EQUITY for all learners. School library programs boost student performance. Fifteen state studies prove this. The boost occurs even when children live in impoverished conditions, socio-economic deprivation, and unstable families. Adding the power of a school library, instruction in information problem solving, access to quality resources, access to technology, and literacy opportunities to every child's experience translates into higher test scores, improved performance in reading, achievement of learning standards, and understanding of the real world that is a foundation for new learning. If our commitment is to leave no child behind, have we brought this force to bear for all learners? Do economically disadvantaged communities have quality school library programs? Access to quality information and literacy resources? Instruction in information literacy by certified school library media specialists? Access to technology? I am here to suggest that No Child Left Behind legislation needs to guarantee that the answer to each of these questions is a resounding YES. If the number of hours a child has flexible access to a school library per week or the number of hours a child engages in information literacy instruction per week add up to improved student performance, and they do, have we opened the door to the school library through the provisions of No Child Left Behind? If School Library Systems level the playing field for all learners through EQUITABLE access to resources, can we insure their continued role as funding challenges threaten their future? School libraries do not leave children behind. They engage children in literacy, thinking, problem solving, real world connections, life long learning, understanding, choices, inquiry, exploration and forward motion toward a future filled with the promise every child deserves.

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School Library Systems - Advocacy Toolkit

Testimony Samples