Anne Douglas- Orange District 4
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.
Librarians are very important. They are an extension of teachers at the library. Librarians select collection of resources including books, digital materials, and databases that support the curriculum and cater to students' interests. They ensure these resources are accessible and organized effectively, Librarians teach students essential skills such as how to find, evaluate, and use information effectively. .They recommend books that match students' interests and reading levels, organize book clubs and reading programs.
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?
I would establish clear guidelines and policies regarding the selection and access of library materials. I would foster open communication between parents/guardians, educators, and librarians and Inform parents about the library's collection policy. I would encourage parental involvement in the library and invite parents to participate in advisory committees or discussions about library resources.
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?
the captive classroom focuses on structured learning objectives and teacher-guided instruction, whereas the school library encourages independent exploration and personal choice in reading materials. In the captive classroom: Reading materials are typically selected by the teacher to align with specific learning objectives, themes, or units of study in the curriculum. Teachers have a direct role in selecting and assigning reading materials based on educational goals and the developmental stage of students. Teachers provide guidance, context, and support for students as they engage with the reading material. In the school library: Libraries offer a wide range of materials, including fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, and digital resources, catering to varied interests and learning styles. Librarians select materials that are developmentally appropriate for different age groups, ensuring that students have access to content that matches their maturity and reading ability. They Encourage Independent Learning. Self-selection fosters independence and responsibility in students as they navigate the library's collection and make choices based on their preferences and learning goals.
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.
Schools have a responsibility to provide access to materials that support educational goals, promote critical thinking, and reflect diverse perspectives. A fair review process ensures that decisions are aligned with these educational values and goals. Public and fair review processes involve input from educators, parents, students, and community members. A public review process enhances transparency and allow parents to understand the rationale behind decisions regarding access to specific materials.
Librarians are very important. They are an extension of teachers at the library. Librarians select collection of resources including books, digital materials, and databases that support the curriculum and cater to students' interests. They ensure these resources are accessible and organized effectively, Librarians teach students essential skills such as how to find, evaluate, and use information effectively. .They recommend books that match students' interests and reading levels, organize book clubs and reading programs.
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?
I would establish clear guidelines and policies regarding the selection and access of library materials. I would foster open communication between parents/guardians, educators, and librarians and Inform parents about the library's collection policy. I would encourage parental involvement in the library and invite parents to participate in advisory committees or discussions about library resources.
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?
the captive classroom focuses on structured learning objectives and teacher-guided instruction, whereas the school library encourages independent exploration and personal choice in reading materials. In the captive classroom: Reading materials are typically selected by the teacher to align with specific learning objectives, themes, or units of study in the curriculum. Teachers have a direct role in selecting and assigning reading materials based on educational goals and the developmental stage of students. Teachers provide guidance, context, and support for students as they engage with the reading material. In the school library: Libraries offer a wide range of materials, including fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, and digital resources, catering to varied interests and learning styles. Librarians select materials that are developmentally appropriate for different age groups, ensuring that students have access to content that matches their maturity and reading ability. They Encourage Independent Learning. Self-selection fosters independence and responsibility in students as they navigate the library's collection and make choices based on their preferences and learning goals.
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.
Schools have a responsibility to provide access to materials that support educational goals, promote critical thinking, and reflect diverse perspectives. A fair review process ensures that decisions are aligned with these educational values and goals. Public and fair review processes involve input from educators, parents, students, and community members. A public review process enhances transparency and allow parents to understand the rationale behind decisions regarding access to specific materials.