Statement from AASL President Dawn Vaughn on National Education Technology Plan

Contact: Larra Clark


Media Relations Manager


312-280-5043

For Immediate Release


January 18, 2005

Statement from AASL President Dawn Vaughn


on National Education Technology Plan

BOSTON - The following statement has been issued by American Association of School Librarians (AASL) President Dawn Vaughn at the conclusion of the American Library Association (ALA) Midwinter Meeting in Boston. AASL is a division of the ALA.

The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) has reviewed the 2004 National Education Technology Plan, and we are pleased the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) recognizes that technology is one of the major influences on future educational practices. Well-stocked and well-staffed school library media programs are strategically poised to support the major action steps and recommendations identified in the plan.

As tech-savvy leaders, school library media specialists are positioned to implement this plan in several ways. They are partners in the school community - budgeting innovatively, improving teacher's knowledge and skills through technology training, supporting e-learning, and using technology to provide equitable access to all members of the school community.

As the technology plan illustrates in its description of ideal information management, school libraries are an integral component in connecting all information and technologies.

In implementing this plan, school library media specialists will partner with school leaders to ensure that all students are effective users of ideas and information in the technology-driven world economy this plan envisions. The AASL Board will work with members across the country to create awareness of this new plan and develop materials that illustrate how the school library media program can be integral to execution of the seven steps recommended by the DOE.

For more information on AASL, school libraries and student achievement and other school library technology efforts, please visit
www.ala.org/aasl.