Comments on: The Cost of Cuts: When we lose librarians, it’s the kids who suffer most | Editorial

By: Bonnie Cribbs

Bonnie Cribbs — Thu, 02 May 2013 19:11:54 +0000

Very well said and GREAT research! Thanks for sharing this. It’s sad to see so many schools without librarians now, or even one librarian being shared by multiple schools. The value they bring is very deep and rich.

By: Lindsay O'Donnell

Lindsay O'Donnell — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 03:25:04 +0000

Thank you for writing this editorial. I am an educator in Baltimore County Public Schools, where our library media specialist positions are at risk. Recently, our school board proposed changes to a policy to eliminate language that requires certified library media specialists in our school libraries. The Library Office was also reorganized from being a part of the Curriculum and Instruction Department to Research, Accountability, and Testing. These moves undercut library media specialists’ value as teachers and send the message that their presence in schools is not essential to student success. Thank you for pointing me towards Katchel and Lance’s study. I will be using their data in future advocacy efforts.

By: Jim Horn

Jim Horn — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 21:06:45 +0000

As a former school librarian now in higher ed, I am glad to see this kind of research-based argument for more reading and fewer cuts to library services. Apparently, though, SLJ did not get the memo about the Rotted Common Core, which is designed to function as the testing delivery system for the education deformers who are addicted to the multi-billion dollar business of standardized testing. As long a high-stakes testing continues, so will the slashing of educational services by the modern day efficiency zealots in charge at ED. Librarians need to climb aboard the anti-testing train, for until high stakes testing ends, no book is safe. In solidarity, Jim Horn

By: Stephen Krashen

Stephen Krashen — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 18:05:16 +0000

Absolutely right about libraries and librarians, of course. I wish the SLJ and the field would take a harder look at the common core, however, accurately described by Susan Ohanian as “a radical untried curriculum overhaul and … nonstop national testing.” There is no evidence supporting the common core, no evidence that it is necessary, and it bleeds funding from many worthy causes, including, of course, school libraries and librarians.
Start here: susanohanian.org.

By: Rebecca Miller

Rebecca Miller — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 21:46:38 +0000

Linda–absolutely feel free to quote it in your local advocacy efforts. A letter from you placing my argument in the context of your local situation is probably the strongest way to go. Feel free to reach out to me on email to brainstorm other ideas.

By: Linda DeCramer

Linda DeCramer — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 18:51:36 +0000

Well said, Rebecca! May I submit this article to our local newspaper as a letter to the editor?