Charlie Kennedy- Manatee District 3
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 media center is a classroom; a study spot, a social gathering place for students and staff. A full life is one that includes books. Demonstrating a love of books and reading stays with a child their entire life. Media specialists have the training and expertise to curate collections for different age groups and interest levels. They are trained professionals. We should get out of their way and let them do their work. Instilling a love of reading, making suggestions and creating a safe, welcoming environment for all kids.
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?
Create a policy that allows parents to choose or reject books for their own children; not the children of other parents.
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?
Classroom reading is selected by curriculum and teacher. Self selection is the students choice and should be fostered and supported. Again; if parents have objections, they can speak for their own child only.
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.
Districts should be proud to share the materials in our media centers. I support a fair and public review as we now have in our county. I support the right of parents to control their child’s education. I don’t support any parent speaking for all children.
The media center is a classroom; a study spot, a social gathering place for students and staff. A full life is one that includes books. Demonstrating a love of books and reading stays with a child their entire life. Media specialists have the training and expertise to curate collections for different age groups and interest levels. They are trained professionals. We should get out of their way and let them do their work. Instilling a love of reading, making suggestions and creating a safe, welcoming environment for all kids.
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?
Create a policy that allows parents to choose or reject books for their own children; not the children of other parents.
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?
Classroom reading is selected by curriculum and teacher. Self selection is the students choice and should be fostered and supported. Again; if parents have objections, they can speak for their own child only.
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.
Districts should be proud to share the materials in our media centers. I support a fair and public review as we now have in our county. I support the right of parents to control their child’s education. I don’t support any parent speaking for all children.