[ISLMA-Share] ESSA Listening Tour: Chicago

[Email list for the Illinois School Library Media Association]

Good morning.

Last night's listening tour stop at Simeon High School in Chicago was
crowded and long, with approximately 25 speakers--from parents groups;
community-based organizations; multi-lingual/multi-cultural organizations;
arts organizations; teacher training programs; Chicago Public Schools and
Chicago Teachers Union.

Sara Sayigh and I were the only librarians to speak. One additional
librarian from CPS came to observe but did not speak.

Major themes for the evening were: lack of resources; concerns about
accountability measures; teacher training; language supports; testing;
civics education; arts in schools; charters; and, of course, libraries.

I spoke on behalf of ALA and touched on a few points:

-I provided AASL's definition of an "effective school library program."
-I asked that they not consider accountability indicators without first
ensuring that students had the essential resources needed to succeed,
including a school library program, noting that ESSA provides an
opportunity to re-prioritize federal and state funding. I mentioned
research, including the Illinois study.
-I requested that librarians be included in consideration for Title IV
funding as they provide equitable access to resources for all students in a
building, build digital literacy skills, etc.
-I mentioned that librarians should not only be included in Title II
funding plans, but can also help the state and districts increase funding
opportunities through Title IIB grant opportunities.

Sara Sayigh spoke on behalf of Chi School Librarians and her remarks
focused on her experiences being dismissed and reinstated after a student
protest; educating the whole child; and allocation of resources.

Megan Cusick
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