Carl Tipton- Seminole 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.
As a former teacher, I understand the profound impact a well-resourced school library and a certified librarian/media specialist can have on students. School libraries are vital learning centers, and media specialists are crucial in fostering a love for reading and lifelong learning. Certified media specialists develop reading programs like book clubs and reading challenges, engaging students with both new and classic literature. Their efforts help students discover "the right fit book," transforming reluctant readers into avid book lovers. Media specialists also coordinate book fairs, raising essential funds for new books and involving families in their children's education. These events build a sense of community and excitement around reading. They promote Sunshine State Young Readers Award books and motivate students to engage with high-quality literature and improve their reading skills. Certified librarians are indispensable in creating dynamic learning environments. Their dedication to fostering a love of reading and supporting student growth is vital. As a school board candidate, I am committed to enhancing the essential services provided by our school libraries and media specialists.
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 with student access to library materials is a nuanced challenge. As a School Board candidate who opposes book bans but advocates for age-appropriate content, I believe it is essential to uphold the following principles: Parental Involvement and Transparency: I support the active involvement of parents in their children's education. Schools should provide clear and accessible information about the materials available in libraries and media centers. This includes online catalogs and summaries, making it easier for parents to understand what their children may encounter. 1. Age-Appropriate Content: It is crucial to ensure that materials available in school libraries are suitable for the age and maturity level of the students. We can establish committees that include educators, parents, and community members to review and categorize books based on age-appropriateness, ensuring a wide range of perspectives are considered. 2. Opt-Out Policies: Parents should have the right to guide their children's reading choices. Implementing an opt-out system allows parents to restrict access to specific books they find unsuitable for their children without limiting access for others. This respects individual family values while maintaining a diverse collection for all students. 3. Educational Value and Diversity: Libraries should provide a broad spectrum of materials that reflect various viewpoints and cultures. This diversity is essential for fostering critical thinking and understanding in students. Books should be evaluated for their educational value, literary merit, and alignment with educational goals. 4. Ongoing Dialogue: Open and respectful communication between parents, educators, and school administrators is key. Regular forums and feedback sessions can help address concerns and keep the community informed about library policies and changes. By focusing on these principles, we can ensure that our school libraries remain valuable resources for all students while respecting the rights of parents to guide their children's education. This balanced approach promotes both academic freedom and parental involvement, contributing to a well-rounded and inclusive educational environment.
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?
Children who self-select books are more likely to enjoy the book when it is chosen based on their interests. In the media center, students can choose a book on their level which ensures success and improved reading skills. Reading materials in a captive classroom are selected based on the lesson taught. Both are important in their own ways. Whether the book is self-selected or in a captive classroom, the material must be age appropriate and approved by the district.
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 believe in supporting age-appropriate content for students while opposing book bans that restrict access to diverse materials. Florida House Bill 1069 grants parents the right to read passages from any material subject to an objection. If the content being read outloud is deemed unsuitable and the reader is told to stop, the school district “must” discontinue its use of that material. The bill does not mention a “fair and public review” of the book. As a school board member, the law must be followed whether I agree with it or not.
As a former teacher, I understand the profound impact a well-resourced school library and a certified librarian/media specialist can have on students. School libraries are vital learning centers, and media specialists are crucial in fostering a love for reading and lifelong learning. Certified media specialists develop reading programs like book clubs and reading challenges, engaging students with both new and classic literature. Their efforts help students discover "the right fit book," transforming reluctant readers into avid book lovers. Media specialists also coordinate book fairs, raising essential funds for new books and involving families in their children's education. These events build a sense of community and excitement around reading. They promote Sunshine State Young Readers Award books and motivate students to engage with high-quality literature and improve their reading skills. Certified librarians are indispensable in creating dynamic learning environments. Their dedication to fostering a love of reading and supporting student growth is vital. As a school board candidate, I am committed to enhancing the essential services provided by our school libraries and media specialists.
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 with student access to library materials is a nuanced challenge. As a School Board candidate who opposes book bans but advocates for age-appropriate content, I believe it is essential to uphold the following principles: Parental Involvement and Transparency: I support the active involvement of parents in their children's education. Schools should provide clear and accessible information about the materials available in libraries and media centers. This includes online catalogs and summaries, making it easier for parents to understand what their children may encounter. 1. Age-Appropriate Content: It is crucial to ensure that materials available in school libraries are suitable for the age and maturity level of the students. We can establish committees that include educators, parents, and community members to review and categorize books based on age-appropriateness, ensuring a wide range of perspectives are considered. 2. Opt-Out Policies: Parents should have the right to guide their children's reading choices. Implementing an opt-out system allows parents to restrict access to specific books they find unsuitable for their children without limiting access for others. This respects individual family values while maintaining a diverse collection for all students. 3. Educational Value and Diversity: Libraries should provide a broad spectrum of materials that reflect various viewpoints and cultures. This diversity is essential for fostering critical thinking and understanding in students. Books should be evaluated for their educational value, literary merit, and alignment with educational goals. 4. Ongoing Dialogue: Open and respectful communication between parents, educators, and school administrators is key. Regular forums and feedback sessions can help address concerns and keep the community informed about library policies and changes. By focusing on these principles, we can ensure that our school libraries remain valuable resources for all students while respecting the rights of parents to guide their children's education. This balanced approach promotes both academic freedom and parental involvement, contributing to a well-rounded and inclusive educational environment.
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?
Children who self-select books are more likely to enjoy the book when it is chosen based on their interests. In the media center, students can choose a book on their level which ensures success and improved reading skills. Reading materials in a captive classroom are selected based on the lesson taught. Both are important in their own ways. Whether the book is self-selected or in a captive classroom, the material must be age appropriate and approved by the district.
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 believe in supporting age-appropriate content for students while opposing book bans that restrict access to diverse materials. Florida House Bill 1069 grants parents the right to read passages from any material subject to an objection. If the content being read outloud is deemed unsuitable and the reader is told to stop, the school district “must” discontinue its use of that material. The bill does not mention a “fair and public review” of the book. As a school board member, the law must be followed whether I agree with it or not.