ESEA Reauthorization

On February 18, 2010 Democratic and Republican leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives' Committee on Education and Labor announced plans for a bipartisan reform of ESEA. "It will start with a series of hearings in the coming weeks to explore the challenges and opportunities ahead as we work to ensure an excellent education is available to every student in America," the leadership declared, adding that "With a real commitment to innovation, we invite all stakeholders who share our serious interest in building a world-class education system to email us their suggestions." The committee's first hearing, focused on charter schools, was held on February 24.

Resources:

AASL's Position Statement on the Reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act  NEW! 

ESEA Talking Points word doc

President's Budget Proposal Talking Points/School Library Funding word doc

Tips on Writing Congress word doc

Sample ESEA Reauthorization Letter word doc

Call to Action

Contact your legislators. Be accurate, specific and concise about your request. Be student-centered and focused. Remember that our message is not all about meeting the needs of the school librarian. When possible and appropriate, use a brief student-centered story to put a "face" on the request. Be positive and act now. Find your legislators here.

Attend the rally. The ALA Washington Office is organizing a rally on June 29, 2010, at Upper Senate Park, on Capitol Hill. This event is in conjunction with the ALA/AASL Annual Conference, June 24-29. Library supporters from around the country will join together to express to the U. S. Congress their support for library funding and policies. This rally will serve as a visual reminder to members of the U.S. Congress that libraries still matter. Registration for ALA Library Advocacy Day Rally is at http://www.ala.org/lad or you may register for the rally when you register for the ALA Conference. Although pre-registration is not required, registration makes it possible to have adequate resources for all.

Use the AASL Advocacy website. Continue to bookmark and use the AASL Advocacy website, which will be updated with the most current information and position statements.