"Shhh!

We know a way to improve students’ test scores and students’ overall academic success using research based practices!

Strong Library Media Center Programs!

 Staffing  Hours of Operation  Resources  Budget/Expenditure  Technology  Collaboration  Library Media Specialist Led Instruction  Flexible Scheduling  Additional Research Findings

*Schools with better-staffed libraries have more students who succeed on tests.  Schools with librarians have 35% more 4 th grade students who score proficient than schools who don’t have a librarian.  In general, students across the country score better on standardized tests when SLMS and support staff hours are increased per 100 students.

*Elementary and High Schools who offer longer library hours have students with higher test scores.  Reading and English test scores across the states studied were increased according to the number of hours the library was accessible.

*Students with access to larger, more current book collections achieve higher reading, writing, and ACT scores.  Studies show that more print volumes per student and more periodical subscriptions per 100 students contribute to higher test scores.

*Student achievement is enhanced in schools that have more access to technology and electronic resources.  Research shows scores on standardized reading and English tests tended to increase when school libraries: ◦ Spent more money per 100 students on electronic access to information ◦ Were more likely to subscribe to online periodical services ◦ Were more likely to subscribe to CD ROM services

*Higher student achievement is attained when schools spend more money on libraries.  Reading test scores increase with an increase in Library Media expenditures per student.  A well-balanced Library Media Program requires a reasonable budget.

*Student achievement is enhanced when the SLMS manages a computer network through which the library media program reaches beyond its own walls to classrooms, labs, and offices, providing more access to the Internet and WWW.  High Schools with computers that connect to library catalogs and databases average 6.2% improved reading and writing scores.

*Test scores rise in both elementary and middle schools as library media specialists and teachers work together.  Test scores increase as the SLMS spends more time: ◦ Planning cooperatively with teachers ◦ Identifying materials for teachers ◦ Teaching information literacy skills, and ◦ Providing in-service training to teachers

*Test scores increase as the SMLS spends more time teaching information literacy skills.  Across the study, the key here is that SLMS teach information literacy skills independently AND teach cooperatively with classroom teachers.

*In middle and high schools, student achievement increases as the hours of flexible scheduling in the library increase.  Students in middle and high school who visit the library regularly score higher on test scores.

 Test scores tend to be higher when there is a cooperative relationship between the School LMS and the public library.  Students who visit the library regularly have higher Reading and Writing test scores.  Maximizing the Library Program factors leads to a varying increase in test scores (typically 10-20%)

 Encourage your child to use the library any time they can.  Read with your child and discuss books and other media with them.  Be a role model and let your child see you read on a daily basis.  Become an active member of the PTA/PTO and encourage funding be spent on Library Media Programs.

AIME Summary and Response to Survey Results: How Students, Teachers & Principals Benefit from Strong School Libraries: The Indiana Study. Indiana Library Federation, Apr Burgin, Robert, and Pauletta Brown Bracy. An Essential Connection: How Quality School Library Media PRograms Improve Student Achievement in North Carolina. RB Software & Consulting, Apr

Lance, Keith Curry, Christine Hamilton-Pennell, and Marcia J. Rodney. Information Empowered: The School Librarian as an Agent of Academic Achievement in Alaska Schools. Juneau, Alaska: Alaska State Library, Apr Lance, Keith Curry, Marcia J. Rodney, and Christine Hamilton-Pennell. Good Schools Have School Librarians: Oregon School Librarians Collaborate to Improve Academic Achievement. Oregon Educational Media Association, Apr

How School Librarians Help Kids Achieve Standards: The Second Colorado Study. Colorado State Library, Apr Measuring Up to Standards. Greensburg, PA: Pennsylvania Citizens for Better Libraries. 13 Apr

Rodney, Marcia J., Keith Curry Lance, and Christine Hamilton-Pennell. The Impact of Michigan School Librarians on Academic Achievement: Kids Who Have Libraries Succeed. Lansing, Michigan: The Library of Michigan, Apr Sharka, Jane A. Powerful Libraries Make Powerful Learners: The Illinois Study. Illinois School Library Media Association, Apr. 2009