RAILS strongly supports the Association of Illinois School Library Educator's (AISLE) efforts to encourage school districts to offer school library programs staffed by licensed school librarians. According to AISLE research, more than 25 research studies have proven conclusively that licensed school librarians contribute directly to student achievement.
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) recommends one certified school librarian for every 600 high school students and one for every 450 elementary school students. School districts that have openings for school library positions should work with AISLE to find qualified professionals that can increase media literacy, digital knowledge, and improve overall reading scores.
For more information, please visit: www.aisled.org
Comments
RAILS Statement on School Library Programs
As someone retiring from the library world soon, I'd like to say the RAILS statement of encouraging one certified librarian per school of 450/600 students for Elementary/Jr.-Sr. High Schools is wonderful but not a solid reality. I worked in one district that didn't even have any library staff in the district above a bachelor's degree. I currently work for a Library Media Specialist, a teacher working on their library certificate, which is the trend these days. Technology masters degree programs seem to be the new thing for those running a school library, since Makerspaces and Library of Things seem to be the trend.