Janie Ruddy- Flagler 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.
In an era of abundant information, misinformation, and evolving technology such as AI, the unique training of media specialists is more crucial than ever. These professionals are instrumental in helping students navigate the complex information landscape of the digital age. They teach essential skills such as digital citizenship and critical evaluation, which are fundamental for both academic success and future career endeavors. Media specialists guide students in identifying and challenging misinformation, fostering a more informed and discerning student body. They also prepare students for the future by imparting valuable skills like information literacy and responsible digital engagement, which are vital for ongoing academic pursuits and professional growth. Additionally, media specialists stay abreast of technological advances, integrating new tools and methods into the library/media center to ensure that resources and teaching techniques remain up-to-date and effective. In summary, trained media specialists are pivotal to the success of library/media centers and cannot be added to the responsibilities of the classroom teacher. Their specialized training not only equips them to teach crucial skills but also transforms these centers into dynamic learning environments that prepare students for future challenges and opportunities.
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?
Flagler County has always provided options for parents to choose when their children are ready for some content. An example is some YA literature being available in K-6 schools but was not able to be checked out without a permission slip. The book banning escalation of recent years has expanded beyond the YA themes into concerns over exposure to different lifestyles, ideas, and new understanding of history. While it is parents' right to restrict access to different ideas, HB 1069 has placed the cost of implementing a solution on the local school district. Flagler has a viable solution with the Bookworm software allowing parents to choose the restriction level. What I would advocate for is that the state cover the cost of such solutions that are required to comply with bills.
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?
Reading selections for captive classroom instruction need to align with the curriculum objectives, most impactful is when those novels can also support other academic subjects such as science and history. Educators choose captive reading materials based upon students' current reading levels, ability to appropriately challenge critical thinking or to foster discussions about complex themes. Assignment of self-selection of reading materials is appropriate to allow for student choice in reading, develop independent reading habits, and build a love for reading without pressures of assignments. Here the reading selections available should be based on how interesting students might find the materials rather than curriculum objects to build that love of reading.
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.
Flagler County has a strong process to comply with HB 1069. Our county's process is to bring the material to the District Review Committee comprised of a member of the public library board, a representative from the general public, one of a school parent organization and members of school and district staff. The book is to be read by all committee members and a decision determined within fifteen working days. If the complainant disagrees with the decision of the District Review Committee, a written appeal may be made to the Superintendent and then again to the School Board. While this process is clearly outlined, it could take a total of over 50 business days where that reader is out of circulation. I would support a review of the book if a there was a consensus amongst the school board members when making the initial decision that the reader was unsuitable to be read. Otherwise, we risk reducing access to materials due to the opinions of a minority who are already able to use the processes within our district to restrict their individual child's access to the reader.
In an era of abundant information, misinformation, and evolving technology such as AI, the unique training of media specialists is more crucial than ever. These professionals are instrumental in helping students navigate the complex information landscape of the digital age. They teach essential skills such as digital citizenship and critical evaluation, which are fundamental for both academic success and future career endeavors. Media specialists guide students in identifying and challenging misinformation, fostering a more informed and discerning student body. They also prepare students for the future by imparting valuable skills like information literacy and responsible digital engagement, which are vital for ongoing academic pursuits and professional growth. Additionally, media specialists stay abreast of technological advances, integrating new tools and methods into the library/media center to ensure that resources and teaching techniques remain up-to-date and effective. In summary, trained media specialists are pivotal to the success of library/media centers and cannot be added to the responsibilities of the classroom teacher. Their specialized training not only equips them to teach crucial skills but also transforms these centers into dynamic learning environments that prepare students for future challenges and opportunities.
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?
Flagler County has always provided options for parents to choose when their children are ready for some content. An example is some YA literature being available in K-6 schools but was not able to be checked out without a permission slip. The book banning escalation of recent years has expanded beyond the YA themes into concerns over exposure to different lifestyles, ideas, and new understanding of history. While it is parents' right to restrict access to different ideas, HB 1069 has placed the cost of implementing a solution on the local school district. Flagler has a viable solution with the Bookworm software allowing parents to choose the restriction level. What I would advocate for is that the state cover the cost of such solutions that are required to comply with bills.
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?
Reading selections for captive classroom instruction need to align with the curriculum objectives, most impactful is when those novels can also support other academic subjects such as science and history. Educators choose captive reading materials based upon students' current reading levels, ability to appropriately challenge critical thinking or to foster discussions about complex themes. Assignment of self-selection of reading materials is appropriate to allow for student choice in reading, develop independent reading habits, and build a love for reading without pressures of assignments. Here the reading selections available should be based on how interesting students might find the materials rather than curriculum objects to build that love of reading.
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.
Flagler County has a strong process to comply with HB 1069. Our county's process is to bring the material to the District Review Committee comprised of a member of the public library board, a representative from the general public, one of a school parent organization and members of school and district staff. The book is to be read by all committee members and a decision determined within fifteen working days. If the complainant disagrees with the decision of the District Review Committee, a written appeal may be made to the Superintendent and then again to the School Board. While this process is clearly outlined, it could take a total of over 50 business days where that reader is out of circulation. I would support a review of the book if a there was a consensus amongst the school board members when making the initial decision that the reader was unsuitable to be read. Otherwise, we risk reducing access to materials due to the opinions of a minority who are already able to use the processes within our district to restrict their individual child's access to the reader.