John Thomas- Brevard 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.
As an advocate for education and a supporter of our schools, I understand firsthand the crucial role that school libraries and media centers play in fostering academic growth and lifelong learning. Trained media specialists are not only experts in curating relevant collections but also educators who promote literacy and teach research skills. They collaborate with teachers to integrate resources into curriculum, ensuring that students have access to information that enhances their learning experiences. Moreover, media specialists often serve as mentors, helping students navigate the vast landscape of information available today. In an age where information is abundant yet often overwhelming, their role in promoting a love of reading and fostering a deeper understanding of subjects cannot be overstated. I believe the school library and media center is a place to promote academic success and personal growth.
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?
Respecting parental rights while ensuring student access to library materials is a delicate balance that requires careful consideration. When trying to navigate this balance, schools should maintain transparency about library collections and give parents the opportunity to review materials. Clear communication and open access to information about available books allow parents to make informed decisions regarding their child's reading choices. Implementing opt-in or opt-out mechanisms for specific materials can empower parents to control what their children access. This respects parental authority while allowing students to benefit from a broad range of educational resources. Librarians should curate collections that offer diverse perspectives and are age-appropriate. Materials should be selected based on educational value and developmental suitability. Lastly, enhancing the current book review process to include experienced educators can provide a structured process for addressing concerns about specific materials.
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 appropriateness of reading material in captive classroom instruction versus self-selection in the school library involves distinct considerations aimed at maintaining educational integrity and respecting parental rights. In captive classroom settings, where teachers select and assign reading material for instruction, there is a responsibility to ensure that content aligns with educational objectives, curriculum standards, and the developmental maturity of the students. Teachers have a duty to provide context, facilitate discussion, and guide students’ understanding of the material in a structured environment conducive to learning. On the other hand, self-selection in the school library allows students some autonomy in choosing books that interest them and cater to their individual learning preferences. However, this freedom must be balanced with age-appropriate content and sensitivity to parental concerns. Librarians and school administrators should curate collections that offer a diverse range of perspectives and literary genres while ensuring that materials meet educational standards and respect community values. By maintaining clear communication, collaboration, and adherence to established guidelines, schools can effectively navigate the balance between captive classroom instruction and self-selection in the library, thereby promoting both academics and parental involvement in their children’s education.
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.
Supporting a fair and public review process upholds the fundamental principle of protecting parental rights. When parents raise concerns about specific materials, they deserve a transparent and structured platform to voice their objections and ensure their perspectives are considered. A public review allows for open dialogue between parents, educators, and community members, fostering a collaborative approach to addressing contentious materials. I have suggest to the superintendent the idea of forming an advisory committee made up of rotating principals to review books in question. Along with BPS's existing Book Review Committee made up of school board appointees, this additional advisory committee, consisting of experienced educators, may provide a different and needed perspective. When these books and materials go before the school board, school board members would then have input from both groups to aid in their decision-making. By adhering and improving the book review policy, we demonstrate respect for due process and community involvement. This ensures that decisions regarding educational content are made transparently, balancing parental concerns with educational standards. It also provides an opportunity to assess the material comprehensively, considering its educational value, age-appropriateness, and potential impact on students. A fair and public review reinforces accountability within the school district. It ensures that any decisions to remove or retain materials are made based on thorough consideration and input from all stakeholders.
As an advocate for education and a supporter of our schools, I understand firsthand the crucial role that school libraries and media centers play in fostering academic growth and lifelong learning. Trained media specialists are not only experts in curating relevant collections but also educators who promote literacy and teach research skills. They collaborate with teachers to integrate resources into curriculum, ensuring that students have access to information that enhances their learning experiences. Moreover, media specialists often serve as mentors, helping students navigate the vast landscape of information available today. In an age where information is abundant yet often overwhelming, their role in promoting a love of reading and fostering a deeper understanding of subjects cannot be overstated. I believe the school library and media center is a place to promote academic success and personal growth.
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?
Respecting parental rights while ensuring student access to library materials is a delicate balance that requires careful consideration. When trying to navigate this balance, schools should maintain transparency about library collections and give parents the opportunity to review materials. Clear communication and open access to information about available books allow parents to make informed decisions regarding their child's reading choices. Implementing opt-in or opt-out mechanisms for specific materials can empower parents to control what their children access. This respects parental authority while allowing students to benefit from a broad range of educational resources. Librarians should curate collections that offer diverse perspectives and are age-appropriate. Materials should be selected based on educational value and developmental suitability. Lastly, enhancing the current book review process to include experienced educators can provide a structured process for addressing concerns about specific materials.
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 appropriateness of reading material in captive classroom instruction versus self-selection in the school library involves distinct considerations aimed at maintaining educational integrity and respecting parental rights. In captive classroom settings, where teachers select and assign reading material for instruction, there is a responsibility to ensure that content aligns with educational objectives, curriculum standards, and the developmental maturity of the students. Teachers have a duty to provide context, facilitate discussion, and guide students’ understanding of the material in a structured environment conducive to learning. On the other hand, self-selection in the school library allows students some autonomy in choosing books that interest them and cater to their individual learning preferences. However, this freedom must be balanced with age-appropriate content and sensitivity to parental concerns. Librarians and school administrators should curate collections that offer a diverse range of perspectives and literary genres while ensuring that materials meet educational standards and respect community values. By maintaining clear communication, collaboration, and adherence to established guidelines, schools can effectively navigate the balance between captive classroom instruction and self-selection in the library, thereby promoting both academics and parental involvement in their children’s education.
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.
Supporting a fair and public review process upholds the fundamental principle of protecting parental rights. When parents raise concerns about specific materials, they deserve a transparent and structured platform to voice their objections and ensure their perspectives are considered. A public review allows for open dialogue between parents, educators, and community members, fostering a collaborative approach to addressing contentious materials. I have suggest to the superintendent the idea of forming an advisory committee made up of rotating principals to review books in question. Along with BPS's existing Book Review Committee made up of school board appointees, this additional advisory committee, consisting of experienced educators, may provide a different and needed perspective. When these books and materials go before the school board, school board members would then have input from both groups to aid in their decision-making. By adhering and improving the book review policy, we demonstrate respect for due process and community involvement. This ensures that decisions regarding educational content are made transparently, balancing parental concerns with educational standards. It also provides an opportunity to assess the material comprehensively, considering its educational value, age-appropriateness, and potential impact on students. A fair and public review reinforces accountability within the school district. It ensures that any decisions to remove or retain materials are made based on thorough consideration and input from all stakeholders.