Debra Hixon- Broward District 9
1. Please share your thoughts related to the importance of the school library/media center and the role of a certified, trained librarian/media specialist in schools.
The school library/media center is a vital resource for fostering a love of reading, promoting information literacy, and supporting the academic curriculum. A certified, trained librarian/media specialist plays a crucial role in this environment by guiding students in research, teaching digital literacy skills, and curating diverse and relevant materials that enhance learning. Their expertise ensures that students not only have access to a wide range of resources but also develop critical thinking and effective research skills, which are essential for success in the modern, information-rich world.
2. Florida school libraries/media centers have always supported parents' rights to direct their students' education. How would you balance parental rights and student access to library materials, especially given that some books trigger different reactions among parents, all of whom deserve rights?
Balancing parental rights and student access to library materials requires a thoughtful, inclusive approach. Clear policies and communication channels are essential, allowing parents to voice concerns while ensuring diverse perspectives are represented. Collaboration with parents, educators, and librarians can establish guidelines that respect parental input while upholding students' rights to explore varied materials. Opt-out options for specific content can be offered, ensuring that parents can guide their children's education without limiting access for others. This balance fosters an environment where all voices are heard, and educational needs are met inclusively.
3. Students have access to reading material through captive classroom instruction, read-alouds and novel studies, as well as through self-selection in libraries where they choose their own book. How would you differentiate between the appropriateness of reading material in a captive classroom vs. self-selection in the school library?
In a captive classroom setting, reading materials should align with the curriculum, educational standards, and the developmental levels of the students, ensuring that all content is age-appropriate and supports learning objectives. Teachers can carefully select books that address specific themes, skills, and knowledge areas, facilitating guided discussions and critical analysis. In contrast, self-selection in the school library encourages independent exploration and personal interest, allowing students to choose books that resonate with their unique preferences and reading levels. While library materials should still be age-appropriate, the emphasis is on fostering a love of reading and enabling students to pursue diverse topics that spark their curiosity.
4. As written in Florida House Bill 1069, “Parents shall have the right to read passages from any material that is subject to an objection. If the school board denies a parent the right to read passages due to content" deemed unsuitable as defined in the bill, the school district must discontinue use of the material. If a reader is denied, explain why you would interpret the law by supporting or opposing a fair and public review of the book, as outlined in each district's objection policy.
I support a fair and public review of the book, as outlined in each district's objection policy, in accordance with Florida House Bill 1069. Transparency and community involvement are essential in addressing concerns about educational materials. Allowing parents to read passages and voice objections ensures their rights are respected, while a structured review process helps maintain educational integrity. This approach balances parental input with professional judgment, ensuring that decisions about educational content are made thoughtfully and with broad community involvement. Ultimately, a fair review process fosters trust and ensures that the educational material remains appropriate and beneficial for all students.
The school library/media center is a vital resource for fostering a love of reading, promoting information literacy, and supporting the academic curriculum. A certified, trained librarian/media specialist plays a crucial role in this environment by guiding students in research, teaching digital literacy skills, and curating diverse and relevant materials that enhance learning. Their expertise ensures that students not only have access to a wide range of resources but also develop critical thinking and effective research skills, which are essential for success in the modern, information-rich world.
2. Florida school libraries/media centers have always supported parents' rights to direct their students' education. How would you balance parental rights and student access to library materials, especially given that some books trigger different reactions among parents, all of whom deserve rights?
Balancing parental rights and student access to library materials requires a thoughtful, inclusive approach. Clear policies and communication channels are essential, allowing parents to voice concerns while ensuring diverse perspectives are represented. Collaboration with parents, educators, and librarians can establish guidelines that respect parental input while upholding students' rights to explore varied materials. Opt-out options for specific content can be offered, ensuring that parents can guide their children's education without limiting access for others. This balance fosters an environment where all voices are heard, and educational needs are met inclusively.
3. Students have access to reading material through captive classroom instruction, read-alouds and novel studies, as well as through self-selection in libraries where they choose their own book. How would you differentiate between the appropriateness of reading material in a captive classroom vs. self-selection in the school library?
In a captive classroom setting, reading materials should align with the curriculum, educational standards, and the developmental levels of the students, ensuring that all content is age-appropriate and supports learning objectives. Teachers can carefully select books that address specific themes, skills, and knowledge areas, facilitating guided discussions and critical analysis. In contrast, self-selection in the school library encourages independent exploration and personal interest, allowing students to choose books that resonate with their unique preferences and reading levels. While library materials should still be age-appropriate, the emphasis is on fostering a love of reading and enabling students to pursue diverse topics that spark their curiosity.
4. As written in Florida House Bill 1069, “Parents shall have the right to read passages from any material that is subject to an objection. If the school board denies a parent the right to read passages due to content" deemed unsuitable as defined in the bill, the school district must discontinue use of the material. If a reader is denied, explain why you would interpret the law by supporting or opposing a fair and public review of the book, as outlined in each district's objection policy.
I support a fair and public review of the book, as outlined in each district's objection policy, in accordance with Florida House Bill 1069. Transparency and community involvement are essential in addressing concerns about educational materials. Allowing parents to read passages and voice objections ensures their rights are respected, while a structured review process helps maintain educational integrity. This approach balances parental input with professional judgment, ensuring that decisions about educational content are made thoughtfully and with broad community involvement. Ultimately, a fair review process fosters trust and ensures that the educational material remains appropriate and beneficial for all students.