Johnny Bush- Hillsborough District 7
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 school library/media center is an essential hub for learning and growth in our schools. It provides students with access to a wealth of knowledge, diverse perspectives, and critical resources that support their academic and personal development. A certified, trained librarian/media specialist plays a crucial role in this environment. They not only manage and curate the collection of books and digital resources but also teach students valuable research skills, foster a love for reading, and guide them in navigating the vast information landscape responsibly and ethically. Their expertise enhances the educational experience and ensures that our students are well-prepared for the challenges of the future. Investing in our school libraries and media specialists is investing in the success and well-being of our students.
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 believe in respecting parents' rights to guide their children's education while also ensuring that all students have access to a diverse range of materials that reflect varied perspectives and experiences. It's important to have a transparent process for reviewing and selecting library materials, involving educators, librarians, and parents. This collaborative approach ensures that the materials are age-appropriate, educationally valuable, and culturally sensitive. While parents should have the option to restrict certain materials for their own children, it’s essential that we do not limit access for other students. Ultimately, our goal is to create a balanced environment where parental rights are respected, and students are empowered to explore and learn.
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?
In a captive classroom, reading material must align with the curriculum, be age-appropriate, and considerate of all students' backgrounds. This ensures educational value and inclusivity. In the school library, self-selection allows students to explore their interests. A certified librarian curates a diverse collection, encouraging personal choice based on interests and reading levels. This balance provides structured education in the classroom and fosters a love of reading and independent exploration in the library.
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 support a fair and public review of any book subject to objection, as outlined in district policy. Parents have the right to voice concerns, but it's crucial to ensure the material's educational value and suitability for students. I do not believe in book banning for the sake of book banning. There is a process in place that should be followed.
The school library/media center is an essential hub for learning and growth in our schools. It provides students with access to a wealth of knowledge, diverse perspectives, and critical resources that support their academic and personal development. A certified, trained librarian/media specialist plays a crucial role in this environment. They not only manage and curate the collection of books and digital resources but also teach students valuable research skills, foster a love for reading, and guide them in navigating the vast information landscape responsibly and ethically. Their expertise enhances the educational experience and ensures that our students are well-prepared for the challenges of the future. Investing in our school libraries and media specialists is investing in the success and well-being of our students.
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 believe in respecting parents' rights to guide their children's education while also ensuring that all students have access to a diverse range of materials that reflect varied perspectives and experiences. It's important to have a transparent process for reviewing and selecting library materials, involving educators, librarians, and parents. This collaborative approach ensures that the materials are age-appropriate, educationally valuable, and culturally sensitive. While parents should have the option to restrict certain materials for their own children, it’s essential that we do not limit access for other students. Ultimately, our goal is to create a balanced environment where parental rights are respected, and students are empowered to explore and learn.
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?
In a captive classroom, reading material must align with the curriculum, be age-appropriate, and considerate of all students' backgrounds. This ensures educational value and inclusivity. In the school library, self-selection allows students to explore their interests. A certified librarian curates a diverse collection, encouraging personal choice based on interests and reading levels. This balance provides structured education in the classroom and fosters a love of reading and independent exploration in the library.
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 support a fair and public review of any book subject to objection, as outlined in district policy. Parents have the right to voice concerns, but it's crucial to ensure the material's educational value and suitability for students. I do not believe in book banning for the sake of book banning. There is a process in place that should be followed.