SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5294
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As of February 3, 2015
Title: An act relating to school library information and technology programs.
Brief Description: Concerning school library and technology programs.
Sponsors: Senators McAuliffe, Litzow, Kohl-Welles, Hasegawa and Chase.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 1/27/15.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION |
Staff: Matthew Lemon (786-7405)
Background: School-library media programs and teacher-librarians support a variety of academic goals and standards. School-library media programs are school-based programs staffed by a certificated teacher-librarian that provide resources to support student mastery of the state essential academic learning requirements in all subject areas and implementation of the district school improvement plan. Teacher-librarians are certificated instructional staff who hold a library media endorsement under rules adopted by the Professional Educator Standards Board. By statute, teacher-librarians must partner with other teachers and staff to help students meet content goals in all subject areas, and assist high school students to complete their culminating project and High School and Beyond plans required for graduation.
School board directors must provide for the operation and stocking of school-library media programs as the board deems necessary for the proper education of the district's students, or as required by law or rule.
Summary of Bill: School library media programs are renamed to school library information and technology programs, and school boards must provide resources and materials to operate such programs as the board deems necessary for the proper education of students or as otherwise required by law or rule.
The duties of teacher-librarians are listed, which may include collaborating with their schools to:
integrate information and technology into curriculum and instruction;
provide information management instruction to students and staff about how to effectively use emerging learning technologies for school and lifelong learning;
help teachers and students efficiently and effectively access the highest quality information available while using information ethically;
instruct students in digital citizenship, including how to be critical consumers of information;
provide guidance about thoughtful and strategic use of online resources; and
create a culture of reading in the school community by developing a diverse, student-focused collection of library materials that ensures all students can find something of quality to read, and by facilitating school-wide reading initiatives while providing individual support to students.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Library programs and teacher-librarians are critical to the success of students in today's world and have the opportunity to directly impact the development of every student. Some students rarely have access to computers and technology at home. Staffing and resources for library programs should allow teacher-librarians to readily support student achievement and ensure access to and comfort with the tools of technology. The work of teacher-librarians has changed over the past few years. Many school library programs are already functioning as information and technology programs and the name should be changed to reflect the work being done. This redefinition will help describe what should be happening in schools because not all library programs are functioning the way we need them to in order to support students.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator McAuliffe, prime sponsor; Carolyn Logue, WA Library Media Assn.; Anne Hales, Pleasant Glade Elementary; Katie Quimby, Reeves Middle School; Sarah Applegate, River Ridge High School; Jerry Bender, Assn. of WA School Principals; Lucinda Young, WA Education Assn.