SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6105
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 January 22, 2014
Title: An act relating to school library information and technology programs.
Brief Description: Concerning school library information and technology programs.
Sponsors: Senators McAuliffe, Litzow, Mullet, Darneille, Kohl-Welles and Fraser.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 1/22/14.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION |
Staff: Eric Wolf (786-7405)
Background: Teacher-librarians are certificated instructional staff (CIS) who hold a library media endorsement under rules adopted by the Professional Educator Standards Board. Teacher-librarians work to align and integrate the instructional and curricular components of the K-12 learning environment with the development of technological skills. By statute teacher-librarians must collaborate as an instructional partner to help students meet the content goals in all state essential academic learning requirement subjects, and assist high school students in completing their culminating project and High School and Beyond plans required for graduation.
The general apportionment formula, which represents approximately two-thirds of the total amount of funding provided by the state, provides foundational funding to school districts for staffing and other costs associated with operating a school. One of the current components of the general apportionment formula is an allocation for CIS, which includes teachers, counselors, librarians, and other instructional staff requiring certification. School districts have discretion in deciding the types of staff hired with their general apportionment allocations for CIS. This means that the actual staffing levels for librarians will vary by school district and school building.
Summary of Bill: School library media programs are renamed to school library information and technology programs, and school boards must provide the resources and materials necessary to run such programs as deemed necessary for the proper education of students using funds provided in the prototypical school model funding formula.
The definition of a school library information and technology program is expanded so that such a program provides a broad, flexible array of services, resources, instruction, and supports within the context of current educational standards adopted by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Teacher-librarians must additionally collaborate 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: Not requested.
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: Teacher-librarians increasingly are responsible for integrating technology into the school and serving as an instructor on how to use technology in the classroom. Teacher-librarians have evolving responsibilities in the 21st century including reading advocacy, developing equitable access to resources, and teaching students the skills necessary to effectively use technology to further their education. The bill more strongly emphasizes that the teacher-librarian is a certificated teacher in the school. The bill modernizes the statute regarding teacher-librarians to better reflect the reality of their jobs in the 21st century. Teacher-librarians play a central role in elementary schools, and are often the go-to person for all things technological in a school. The change in terminology reflects this evolution of the profession. Teacher-librarians play a vital role in helping students achieve the Common Core state standards for English/language arts and technology. This bill will help ensure that teacher-librarians have the resources to be successful. This bill will not require school districts to hire additional staff.
OTHER: There is a concern from members of the Association of Washington School Principals that the bill would require each school building to have a teacher-librarian.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator McAuliffe, prime sponsor; Sharyn Merrigan, WA Library Media Assn.; Sara Glass, Jessica von Wendel, teacher-librarians; Jack Arend, principal; Troy Oliver, North Thurston Public Schools; Lucinda Young, WA Education Assn.
OTHER: Jerry Bender, Assn. of WA School Principals.