An Act relative to school library standards
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Create an account to take a stance, submit a written position, or contact your legislator.
Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill establishes standards for school library programs in Massachusetts. It defines key terms like "school library standards" and "effective school library program," emphasizing the need for certified school librarians, equitable access to resources, and personalized learning. The bill directs the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to adopt standards based on the American Association of School Librarians’ guidelines and requires a study to assess the implementation and effectiveness of these standards across schools.
Key provisions
- Defines ‘school library standards’ as the most recent AASL standards endorsed by the MSLA.
- Defines ‘effective school library program’ with specific requirements regarding staffing, access, and learning environments.
- Requires the Department of Education to adopt AASL and MSLA standards promoting effective school library programs.
- Mandates the teaching of information literacy and research skills from kindergarten through grade 12.
- Directs the Department to conduct a study on school library implementation and best practices by December 31, 2029, and every three years thereafter.
- Requires the Department to submit reports detailing findings to the legislature.
- Encourages school committees to incorporate library standards into existing curricula.
- Specifies that ‘schools’ include various types of educational institutions.
Who is affected
Bill text
Read the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.
Text extraction is in progress. View the official source.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
16 on record
Primary sponsor
Joint Committee on Education
Cosponsors
Danillo A. Sena
Jacob R. Oliveira
Arguments
Reasons offered for and against this legislation.
Arguments in favor
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yours