The JWY MS Library supports the goals of the NYS Regents Advisory Council in role of school libraries.
Creating the Future: a 2020 Vision Plan for Library Service in New York State Recommendations of the New York State Regents Advisory Council on Libraries to the New York State Board of Regents
The Vision 2020 Recommendations call for a wide range of change, including initiatives to educate the public concerning the role and value of libraries, to meet the challenge of e-resources, to develop enhanced collaborations with other libraries and organizations, to support open content, and to oppose censorship.
School Libraries (P-12)School libraries are deeply engaged in the implementation of the New York State P-12 Common Core Learning Standards.There is a well documented connection between student achievement and effective school libraries. The role of school librarians is evolving as they teach students information literacy to be savvy information consumers, producers and judges of appropriate content in all formats. School librarians increasingly collaborate with teachers in designing curricula, developing learning experiences, and providing technical infrastructure that are ideally placed to support differentiated instruction and facilitate special programs for the gifted as well as students with special needs. The school librarian is unique in that he/she addresses the depth and breadth of the entire curriculum, and leads in teaching a 21st Century curriculum of inquiry, problem solving and content creation.
The Board of Regents and State Education Department should formulate policy and regulation that will:
- Adopt and implement a statewide information fluency curriculum framework, aligned with the New York State P-12 Common Core Learning Standards, which, through certified school librarians and a strong library program, will provide equitable access to information and digital literacy instruction and tools. Such a framework will further the schools’ ultimate goal of preparing students, beginning at the elementary level, with the literacy and digital skills and knowledge needed for career or college. (10)
- Expand the existing Commissioner’s Regulations (91.2) to require an elementary school librarian in every school to strengthen instructional leadership in meeting the P-12 Common Core Learning Standards, and enforce library staffing regulations in all public schools. (11)
- Create incentives to encourage school districts to actively expand and promote access to the school library collection of online resources, e-books, and Web 2.0 tools, available 24/7, to create learning and enrichment opportunities that reach beyond the school day and encourage year-round learning. (12)
- Create incentives to encourage school districts to adopt flexible scheduling to support full academic day access to school librarians, school library resources and information and digital literacy instruction. (13)
- Create incentives for school libraries to collaborate with other libraries and communities (such as public libraries, university and community college libraries) to result in full-time, full-year access to information that will further opportunities for all students. (14)
