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Position Statement on the Strengthening Kids’ Interest in Learning and Libraries (SKILLs) Act

AASL supports the Strengthening Kids’ Interest in Learning and Libraries or SKILLs Act as recognition that requiring state-certified library media specialists in all public school library programs throughout the country and funding to support a varied collection to meet diverse student needs is essential to the academic success of all students.

The SKILLs Act requires school districts, to the extent feasible, to ensure that every school within the district employs at least one state-certified library media specialist in each school library. The SKILLs Act defines state-certified school library media specialists as those who have a bachelor’s degree and have obtained full state certification as a school library media specialist or passed the state teacher licensing examination, with state certification in library media in such state.  AASL supports assurance that a state-certified library media specialist will lead all public school library media programs. 

AASL recognizes that the SKILLs Act ensures library funds will be available to serve students in elementary, middle, and high schools throughout the nation; that appropriate books and materials will be available for students at all grade levels, including those with special learning needs and those learning English as a second language; and that defines state-certified school library media specialists will be available to assist and support all students with their learning needs.

The SKILLs Act broadens the focus of training, professional development, and recruitment activities to include library media specialists.  AASL acknowledges that ongoing professional development and recruitment into the profession is essential to meet the goal in the SKILLs’ Act that there is at least one defined state-certified school library media specialist in every public school no later than the 2010-2011 school year.

Improved school libraries are effective in improving literacy goals as outlined in No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and learning skills as outlined in Partnership for Twenty-First Century learning skills.  AASL endorses the SKILLs Act because it recognizes the important role of a state-certified library media specialist in increased academic achievement and reauthorizes and strengthens the Improving Literacy through School Library Program of the No Child Left Behind Act.