Vanessa Chaviano- Lee 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.
In my various roles within the community, I deeply appreciate the critical importance of school libraries and media centers. These spaces are not just repositories of books; they are vibrant learning hubs that support literacy, foster a love of reading, and provide access to a wealth of information. A certified, trained librarian or media specialist is indispensable in this environment. They are experts in information literacy, guiding students in navigating digital and print resources, fostering critical thinking skills, and supporting teachers by providing curriculum-related resources and collaborative teaching opportunities. My experience working with educational committees has underscored the value of having knowledgeable and dedicated professionals in our school libraries to enhance the academic experience of all 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?
Balancing parental rights with student access to library materials is a nuanced task that requires thoughtful consideration and open communication. I believe in a collaborative approach where parents, educators, and librarians work together to ensure that students have access to diverse materials that support their educational growth while respecting individual family values. This involves providing parents with clear, accessible information about the library's collection, offering options for parental input on their child's reading choices, and having a robust and transparent process for reviewing and addressing concerns about specific materials. This ensures that all viewpoints are considered and respected, while upholding the integrity of educational freedom and access to information for students.
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 distinction between captive classroom instruction and self-selection in the school library hinges on the context and objectives of each setting. In the classroom, reading materials should align closely with curricular goals and be age-appropriate, fostering critical discussions and supporting specific learning outcomes. Teachers must guide these selections to ensure they are educationally sound and developmentally suitable. In contrast, the school library is a space for exploration and self-directed learning, where students can pursue their interests and discover new perspectives. While the collection should still be age-appropriate, it can offer a broader range of topics and reading levels to cater to diverse student interests and promote independent reading habits. Providing guidance through age-appropriate catalogs or recommended reading lists can help students make informed choices, ensuring a balanced approach to guided and self-selected 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.
I support a fair and public review of any material subject to objection, in line with each district’s objection policy. Transparency and community involvement are key to maintaining trust and ensuring that all voices are heard in the decision-making process. If a parent is denied the right to read passages from a contested material, it is crucial to have a structured, open review process where concerns can be addressed comprehensively. This process should involve educators, parents, and other stakeholders to evaluate the material's educational value and appropriateness, ensuring decisions are made collaboratively and in the best interest of all students. By adhering to a transparent and fair review policy, we can uphold the letter and spirit of the law while fostering a respectful dialogue within our community.
In my various roles within the community, I deeply appreciate the critical importance of school libraries and media centers. These spaces are not just repositories of books; they are vibrant learning hubs that support literacy, foster a love of reading, and provide access to a wealth of information. A certified, trained librarian or media specialist is indispensable in this environment. They are experts in information literacy, guiding students in navigating digital and print resources, fostering critical thinking skills, and supporting teachers by providing curriculum-related resources and collaborative teaching opportunities. My experience working with educational committees has underscored the value of having knowledgeable and dedicated professionals in our school libraries to enhance the academic experience of all 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?
Balancing parental rights with student access to library materials is a nuanced task that requires thoughtful consideration and open communication. I believe in a collaborative approach where parents, educators, and librarians work together to ensure that students have access to diverse materials that support their educational growth while respecting individual family values. This involves providing parents with clear, accessible information about the library's collection, offering options for parental input on their child's reading choices, and having a robust and transparent process for reviewing and addressing concerns about specific materials. This ensures that all viewpoints are considered and respected, while upholding the integrity of educational freedom and access to information for students.
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 distinction between captive classroom instruction and self-selection in the school library hinges on the context and objectives of each setting. In the classroom, reading materials should align closely with curricular goals and be age-appropriate, fostering critical discussions and supporting specific learning outcomes. Teachers must guide these selections to ensure they are educationally sound and developmentally suitable. In contrast, the school library is a space for exploration and self-directed learning, where students can pursue their interests and discover new perspectives. While the collection should still be age-appropriate, it can offer a broader range of topics and reading levels to cater to diverse student interests and promote independent reading habits. Providing guidance through age-appropriate catalogs or recommended reading lists can help students make informed choices, ensuring a balanced approach to guided and self-selected 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.
I support a fair and public review of any material subject to objection, in line with each district’s objection policy. Transparency and community involvement are key to maintaining trust and ensuring that all voices are heard in the decision-making process. If a parent is denied the right to read passages from a contested material, it is crucial to have a structured, open review process where concerns can be addressed comprehensively. This process should involve educators, parents, and other stakeholders to evaluate the material's educational value and appropriateness, ensuring decisions are made collaboratively and in the best interest of all students. By adhering to a transparent and fair review policy, we can uphold the letter and spirit of the law while fostering a respectful dialogue within our community.