We know the solution to a big problem in Pennsylvania education, and we need your help getting the state legislature in Harrisburg to fix it. If we could have at least one school librarian in every school we’d see better reading scores and writing scores, improved critical thinking, and more work-ready graduates coming out of every Pennsylvania school. Together, we’d be able to fix low achievement. And all it takes is one school librarian....
We’ve known this for a long time. But now - with your help - we can act.
In 2010 the Pennsylvania State Board of Education and the Department of Education did an extensive study to measure, compare, and evaluate school library programs across the Commonwealth. This study found that in school districts with full-time librarians, students achieved better on the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) tests. The study showed very clearly that school librarians are effective in closing the academic achievement gap. The biggest improvements were for students in disadvantaged populations. At the Pennsylvania School Librarians Association, we know personally that our members make a difference in the lives of students in many places. We believe that every child in Pennsylvania deserves a certified school librarian in his or her academic life.
Please join us and EveryLibrary in reaching out to our elected officials in Harrisburg. Ask them to become a co-sponsor of HB 740, a bill that would ensure a certified school librarian in every school. The bill already has several co-sponsors. But adding your state Representative will make the difference. Please use the form on the right side of this page to add your personal note. Thanks for sharing about the best fix for schools and students anywhere in Pennsylvania - the certified school librarian.