Requirements and Supporting Materials

Quantitative or numerical standards are one measure of success in achieving program goals. Such standards can be compared to local data and used to set measurable improvement goals. While no definitive national quantitative standards currently exist for school libraries, we are fortunate in Iowa to have data from the annual Survey of School Libraries conducted by the State Library of Iowa. The data provides the opportunity to compare one’s own library program to other libraries of similar size and description in our state.

A key requirement in the Department of Education standards for school libraries programs is that every school has a Library Program in place. While not specifically required, the development of a Library Program Plan will assure that the standards adopted by the Board of Education (Iowa Administrative Code 12.3(12)) are being addressed.

The sample curriculum that follows is intended as a starting point for districts that do not currently have an information literacy curriculum in place. Teacher librarians and teachers will want to examine this model, adapt it to local standards and initiatives and find areas where it can be integrated into various subject areas to achieve the goal of helping students become independent learners. This is in no way intended as a stand-alone curriculum. Rather, it spells out specific skills and content that should be a part of the local curriculum and integrated appropriately into classroom instruction, with the teacher librarian and classroom teacher sharing responsibility for designing, teaching and evaluating lessons.

This template is intended to suggest areas that you might include in your annual report. Use it creatively to reflect your own program style, needs and goals. Include photos that show activities you are highlighting and web links that may help illustrate your progress. You may want to add attachments: the State Survey, samples of student work, professional development documentation. Share the report first with your principal, preferably in a one-on-one meeting with him/her, but also share it with parents, colleagues and the community. Post it on your website.

Budget planning is a thoughtful process in which you must advocate for your program needs to your administrator and others who are involved in budgeting decisions. You must build a case based upon how your program will use budget funds to contribute to the achievement of school and district goals for student learning. We must also be prepared to demonstrate how better computers, more functional facilities and added staff contribute to student achievement.

This template is intended to suggest a format for creating your budget request. Use it to reflect the line items appropriate for your particular situation. You may create new categories as needed for your library.

Use this form to evaluate the current status of your library program and begin to identify areas for program improvement.

Pursuant to the authority of Iowa Code section 256.7(5), the State Board of Education amended Chapter 12, “General Accreditation Standards,” Iowa Administrative Code. The accreditation statutes were amended to require that each school district have a qualified teacher librarian. The amended Administrative Code adds new definitions and specifies the standards for school library programs.

The Library Program Guidelines have been designed to assist districts in planning for library programs to meet the new state requirements, and to go beyond the basic requirement to create programs that positively impact student learning and achievement. They should be used as a checklist to audit the status of a district's program.

Iowa Code 256.51(h) requires the State Library of Iowa to collect data indicating current conditions, growth, and development of library services provided in Iowa. The survey questions were based on "Make the Connection: Quality School Library Media Program Impact Academic Achievement in Iowa." The web site contains links to the current year annual survey as well as links to previous annual surveys.

Teacher librarian evaluation form based on the Cedar Rapids Community Schools form addressing the teaching standards for media specialists.

Tips from School Library Web Sites, October 13, 2006, an ILA - Post-Conference session about how to use this Iowatown School Library. This template was created by Karla Krueger, School Library Media Studies Division, University of Northern Iowa.

The Iowa Department of Education Model Core Curriculum was developed to ensure that all Iowa students have access to a rigorous and relevant curriculum and to provide a tool for Iowa educators to use to assure that essential subject matter is being taught and essential knowledge and skills are being learned. The Literacy portion of the curriculum contains a section on information literacy as well as one on reading that is very relevant to goals for school libraries.”