SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5102
As of January 23, 2023
Title: An act relating to school library information and technology programs.
Brief Description: Concerning school library information and technology programs.
Sponsors: Senators Wellman, Frame, Hunt, Liias, Salda?a, Trudeau, Valdez and Wilson, C..
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 1/23/23.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Directs each school district to adopt or amend a policy that acknowledges the requirement that each school board provide every student with access to school library information and technology programs.
  • Requires each school district to adopt or amend procedures that describe how students can access school library information and technology resources and materials.
  • Requires every school board to provide resources and materials for the operation of a school library information and technology program ensuring every student has access to such a program.
  • States that the Superintendent of Public Instruction will provide data, information, best practices, and other assistance to help facilitate implementation of this act.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION
Staff: Benjamin Omdal (786-7442)
Background:

School Library and Information Technology Programs.  School library and information technology programs are defined in Washington law as school-based programs staffed by a certificated teacher-librarian that provide a broad, flexible array of services, resources, and instruction that support student mastery of state standards in all subject areas and the implementation of the district's school improvement plan. 
 
Every board of directors is required to provide resources and materials for the operation of school library information, and technology programs, as the board deems necessary, for the proper education of the district's students, or as other required by law or rule of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
 
Teacher-librarians are required to collaborate as instructional partners with content goals in all subject areas and to assist high school students with high school and beyond plans required for graduation.  Other duties may include, but are not limited to:

  • integrating information and technology into curriculum and instruction;
  • providing information management instruction to students and staff;
  • helping teachers and students efficiently and effectively access the highest quality information available while using information ethically;
  • instructing students in critical information consumption; and
  • creating a culture of reading in the school community by developing a diverse, student-focused collection of materials and by facilitating school-wide reading initiatives along with providing individual support and guidance for students.
Summary of Bill:

By September 1, 2024, each school district must adopt or amend:

  • a policy that acknowledges the requirement for boards of directors to provide every student with access to school library information and technology programs; and
  • procedures that describe how students can access school library information, and technology resources and materials.

 
Every board of directors must provide resources and materials for the operation of a school library information and technology program ensuring every student in the school district has access to a school library information and technology program.
 
The Superintendent of Public Instruction will provide data, information, best practices, and other assistance to help facilitate school district implementation of this act.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

PRO: The teacher-librarian is a navigator of technology for students and staff.  This bill says that every school should have a library program.  Schools are not providing all students with library programs.  Librarians teach how to learn and how to discover.  Many school districts do not have a library program due to the current language in statute.  Not every community has implemented a program, often due to differences in resources.
 
CON: The bill would require a certified teacher-librarian without properly funding the position.  Rural school districts have issues with finding certified teachers in specific areas.
 
OTHER: Not every community will be able to administer a program off of the current allocation amounts.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Lisa Wellman, Prime Sponsor; Rebecca Dzamov; Carolyn Logue, Washington Library Association; Eryn Duffee, Teacher-Librarian; Gavin Downing, Teacher-Librarian; Craig Seasholes; Lisa Layera; Christie Kaaland.
CON: Michael Olsen, Kettle Falls School District.
OTHER: Marnie Maraldo, Washington State School Directors' Association (WSSDA).
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.