Sunday, January 27, 2013

School Library Research in Pennsylvania

In 2011 the Pennsylvania School Library Association and the Pennsylvania co-sponsored a survey of school libraries in their state. They received responses from over 78% of those surveyed. This survey and initiative mirrors our legislation currently being filed here in Massachusetts.

The survey had very predictable result. Approximately 58% of students in PA do not have access to a professional librarian in their schools. Quantitatively, the study determined what components school library programs need to be successful. Qualitatively, what difference do school libraries make in the lives of students? Many critical components were discovered, most mimicking the early studies by Keith Curry Lance in Colorado.

Not surprisingly, schools with flexible scheduling and a collaborative atmosphere were most influential in the academic lives of their students. The study also did an estimation of the costs of restoring full-time school librarians in all schools, supplying all schools with "Power-library" databases (similar to our databases provided here in Massachusetts by the MBLC) as well as two days of professional development for all school librarians in the state.

They developed an acronym called FACTTS

F = annual funding for school libraries
A= access to the library beyond the school day
C= currency of the collection
T= technology
T= teaching
S= staff (the most important factors, along with the presence of some support staff)

This acronym was used to report out the data. Some of the findings are not unusual, many are supportive and useful. In Pennsylvania, students take the PSSA Reading Test. One of the findings from the study showed that nearly half of all students with flexible access to their school library during the school day scored "Advanced" on the PSSA Reading Test.

Opening the school library - either before or after school or both - also has had an impact on student achievement. "More than twice as many students who are able to use their school library before or after the school day scored "Advanced" on the PSSA Writing Test as those students without such access.

The data goes on and on. Let's hope for success in Massachusetts and that we are able to replicate the data-collection and disseminating in Pennsylvania. For more information, please see http://paschoollibraryproject.org.

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