NCLE report reveals school librarians as highly involved leaders inside and outside of their schools

For Immediate Release
Tue, 04/09/2013

Contact:

Jennifer R Habley

Manager, Web Communications

American Association of School Librarians (AASL)

800-545-2433 ext.4383

jhabley@ala.org

CHICAGO – A new report released by the National Center for Literacy Education (NCLE) reveals that school librarians are highly involved leaders playing a critical role in their schools through consistent and sustained collaboration with other educators. Additionally, school librarians not only participate in but deliver professional development to peers, educators and staff in their schools.  The report, Remodeling Literacy Learning: Making Room for What Works, details key findings from a nationwide survey of more than 2,400 educators representing all grade levels and subject areas. It investigates the connection between professional learning, educator collaboration and student learning. The report is available at www.literacyinlearningexchange.org.

Survey findings indicate that many schools are not structured to support the professional collaboration educators identified as important in strengthening their practice. Despite this, educators are participating in some forms of school-based collaboration, and school librarians are often participating at rates equal to or greater than other educators. With the already small amount of time set aside for collaboration during the school day dwindling, a substantial number of school librarians are participating in professional learning networks on their own time. Fifty-one percent reported seeking and sharing ideas at least weekly in online networks and communities. Of those school librarians participating in the survey, 66 percent indicated they also provide professional development to peers and other educators, and 58 percent provide these services to staff inside their school. Further, 60 percent indicated their decision to do so was voluntary.

More specific data pertaining to school librarian responses to the NCLE survey can be found in an infographic created by AASL. To view, please visit http://www.ala.org/aasl/research/ncle-infographic.

The American Association of School Librarians, www.aasl.org, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), promotes the improvement and extension of library services in elementary and secondary schools as a means of strengthening the total education program. Its mission is to advocate excellence, facilitate change and develop leaders in the school library field. AASL is one of 30 professional education associations, policy organizations and foundations part of the NCLE coalition.

A project of the National Council of Teachers of English and the Ball Foundation in alliance with over 30 stakeholder groups representing educators and school/community leaders, the National Center for Literacy Education is a project to celebrate the work of successful school teams across the country that are achieving remarkable results in advancing literacy learning.