BILL REQ. #:  H-3401.1 

Read first time 01/21/14.   Referred to Committee on Education.

     AN ACT Relating to school library information and technology programs; and amending RCW 28A.320.240.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 28A.320.240 and 2006 c 263 s 914 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The purpose of this section is to identify quality criteria for school library ((media)) information and technology programs that support the student learning goals under RCW 28A.150.210, the essential academic learning requirements under RCW 28A.655.070, and high school graduation requirements adopted under RCW 28A.230.090.
     (2) Every board of directors shall provide resources and materials for the operation ((and stocking of such libraries)) of school library and information technology programs as the board deems necessary for the proper education of the district's students as provided in the prototypical school model under RCW 28A.150.260 or as otherwise required by law or rule of the superintendent of public instruction.
     (3) "Teacher-librarian" means a ((certified)) certificated teacher with a library media endorsement under rules adopted by the professional educator standards board.
     (4) "School((-))library ((media)) information and technology program" means a school-based program that is staffed by a certificated teacher-librarian and provides a variety of resources that support student mastery of the essential academic learning requirements in all subject areas and the implementation of the district's school improvement plan. The school library information and technology program provides a broad, flexible array of services, resources, instruction, and supports within the context of all current educational standards adopted by the office of the superintendent of public instruction.
     (5) The teacher-librarian, through the school-library media program, shall collaborate as an instructional partner to help all students meet the content goals in all subject areas, and assist high school students completing the culminating project and high school and beyond plans required for graduation.
     (6) The teacher-librarian shall collaborate with his or her schools to:
     (a) Integrate information and technology into curriculum and instruction, including but not limited to instructing other certificated staff about using and integrating information and technology literacy into instruction through workshops, modeling lessons, and individual peer coaching;
     (b) Provide information management instruction to students and staff about how to effectively use emerging learning technologies for school and lifelong learning, as well as in the appropriate use of computers and mobile devices in an educational setting;
     (c) Help teachers and students efficiently and effectively access the highest quality information available while using information ethically;
     (d) Instruct students in digital citizenship including how to be critical consumers of information and provide guidance about thoughtful and strategic use of online resources; and
     (e) Create a culture of reading in the school community by developing a diverse, student-focused collection of materials that ensures all students can find something of quality to read and by facilitating school-wide reading initiatives along with providing individual support and guidance for students.