Bill > S428

This bill amends Chapter 69 of the Massachusetts General Laws to establish comprehensive school library standards by defining key terms and mandating specific requirements for school library programs. The bill defines "school library standards" as the most recent American Association of School Librarians (AASL) academic standards endorsed by the Massachusetts School Library Association (MSLA), and describes an "effective school library program" as one staffed by certified librarians that provides equitable resource access and personalized learning environments for students. The legislation requires the state department of education to adopt standards that promote school library programs, including maintaining grade-appropriate collections supporting curriculum and independent reading, teaching information literacy and research skills from kindergarten through 12th grade, improving reading proficiency, and integrating learning technologies across subjects. School committees are encouraged to incorporate these standards into existing curricula, and the department is mandated to conduct comprehensive studies every three years beginning in the third year after standard enactment. These studies will examine implementation, school librarian employment, library program types, and will publicly report best practices and recommended improvements to ensure effective school library programs for all students across public, charter, private, residential, and collaborative schools.

Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S428