Given by: Jacquelyn Lamoureux Library Media Specialist
34 Lantern Lane Greenbush Elementary School
North Kingstown, RI 02852 West Warwick, RI 02893

Past President, RI Educational Media Association (RIEMA)

Good evening and thank you for the opportunity to speak. As in many of you know I have been following and commenting on the revision process and was very interested in reading the regulations you are intending to adopt.

I am pleased at the 21st century approach which is philosophically similar to the American Association for School Librarians (AASL) Standards for the 21st Century Learner. The overall outcome for both documents is students becoming capable, creative and responsible lifelong learners. The BEP draft includes information literacy, independent learning and social responsible as part an effective Library and Media program. Elsewhere in the document the importance of integrating literacy (reading, writing and oral communication) as well as applied learning and the use of information and communication technology across all content areas is stated. That these are important components of the Library and Media program should be acknowledged and emphasized.

Language about Library-Media resources and an area that provides access to them is included in the proposed BEP. Why not call this a library or library media center?

I am aware that this BEP was developed to avoid what many perceive to be unfunded mandates and to allow the LEA’s the flexibility to develop plans which address their local situations. My biggest concern and I know many of my colleagues share this concern, is how the LEA’s will develop and maintain systems to accurately measure compliance with the Library and Media standards. What criteria will the LEA use to ensure that the library media program adequately address information literacy, independent learning and social responsibility? What criteria determine whether resources to do this are adequate?

The LEA’s are charged with the responsibility for recruiting, supporting and retaining highly effective staff. For Library and Media programs this means certified library media specialists, who education, training and continued professional development bring 21st century learning skills, dispositions and responsibilities to our children. Will LEA’s recognize this?

When the LEA’s develop their plans please endorse those which require library media professionals and programs that provide students with the essential literacy and critical thinking skills to become productive and informed citizens. RIEMA members are ready to contribute to establishing criteria and working to provide the best for our students.