H 5177

SECTION 1. Chapter 69 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 1T the following new section:- Section 1U. School Library Standards As used in this section, (i) the term “school library standards” shall mean the most recent edition of academic standards for school library media programs developed by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and endorsed for the commonwealth by the Massachusetts School Library Association (MSLA); (ii) the term “effective school library program” shall mean school library programs that are staffed by certified school librarians, offer equitable access to a collection and other resources for all students, and that provide personalized learning environments for students within instruction time and across the school day; (iii) the term “schools” shall mean all public schools, charter schools, private day schools, residential schools, and collaborative schools established and recognized under this Title. Pursuant to the provisions of section 1D, the department shall adopt AASL and MSLA school library standards that promote effective school library programs, including, but not limited to: (a) a well-rounded grade-appropriate collection that supports the curriculum as well as independent reading and inquiry; (b) the teaching of information literacy and research skills for students in kindergarten to grade 12; (c) standards that further reading proficiency and competencies for all students; and (d) standards that integrate learning technologies across the curriculum. Pursuant to the provisions of section 1E, the commissioner shall guide school committees or boards of trustees in implementation of standards and the development of effective school library programs. School committees or board of trustees may incorporate the school library standards into existing curricula including, but not limited to, English language arts, history and social sciences, and technology. SECTION 2. The department shall conduct a study relative to the implementation of the school library standards established in Section 1 no later than December 31, 2029 and every third year thereafter, subject to appropriation. The department shall submit a written report of its findings from each study with the Clerks of the Senate and the House of Representatives and the Senate and House Chairs of the Joint Committee on Education no later than December 31, 2029 and on December 31 of every third year thereafter, subject to appropriation. Such reports shall include, but not be limited to, a study of employment of school librarians and staff and the type of school library programs being offered in schools to students and best practices and recommended improvements to effective school library programs for all students.