Whitney Nieves- Bay District 1
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 a lifelong learner, I believe the school library/media center is a cornerstone of our educational system. It serves as a vital resource hub, offering students access to a wide range of books, digital media, and educational materials that support their learning across all subjects. Our libraries are essential in fostering a culture of reading and research, which is crucial for academic success. I come from a working-poor, single-parent household. My school libraries were my lifeline. The library supports the curriculum by providing resources that complement classroom instruction. This ensures that students and teachers have adequate learning and teaching materials. In today’s information-rich world, libraries teach students essential skills in finding, evaluating, and using information effectively and ethically. Libraries also offer a safe, quiet space for students to study, complete assignments, and explore their interests. This sanctuary-like environment supports academic achievement and personal growth, making students feel secure and comfortable. Additionally, modern libraries provide technological access, ensuring all students have the tools they need to succeed in the digital age. The role of a certified, trained librarian or media specialist is equally important. These professionals play a crucial role in guiding students in their research, helping them develop information literacy skills, and supporting teachers in accessing and utilizing educational resources. Their expertise is invaluable in creating a dynamic and supportive learning environment, making students feel supported and guided in their learning journey.
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 and student access to library materials is a crucial and delicate task. As a school board candidate, I am committed to respecting parental rights while ensuring students have access to diverse educational resources. Firstly, I believe in open communication with parents. It is essential to involve parents in discussions about the materials available in our school libraries and to understand their concerns. We can establish a review committee, including parents, educators, and librarians, to evaluate and provide feedback on library materials. Secondly, we can implement a clear and transparent policy for selecting library materials. This policy should include criteria ensuring the materials are age-appropriate, educational, and reflect diverse perspectives. By involving parents in this process, we can address concerns proactively and maintain trust. Additionally, it is important to provide options for parental control. We can allow parents to review the books their children borrow and provide opt-out options for specific materials. This respects parents' rights to guide their children's education while allowing other students access to the full range of library resources. Lastly, it is vital to educate parents and students about the importance of diverse viewpoints and critical thinking. Libraries, with guidance, play a crucial role in exposing students to different cultures, ideas, and perspectives, all of which are essential for their development into well-rounded individuals. By fostering an environment of understanding and respect, we can help parents see the value of a diverse library collection. Balancing parental rights with student access requires ongoing dialogue, transparent policies, and a commitment to educational excellence. By working together with parents, educators, and librarians, we CAN ensure that our school libraries remain a valuable resource for all 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?
As a mother and an educator, I understand the importance of differentiating between the appropriateness of reading material in a captive classroom setting and self-selection in the school library. In classroom instruction, teachers guide students through carefully chosen texts that align with the curriculum and are suitable for their age and developmental level. This ensures a structured learning environment where all students can engage with the material in a supportive setting. However, students can self-select books in the school library, allowing them to explore their interests and read at their own pace. This freedom is significant for gifted students like my son and me, who read at a college level in middle school and can digest and think critically about advanced information. I do not support removing questionable books but advocate for a system where such books can be checked out with parental consent, ensuring parents are involved in their children's reading choices. Many students rely on their school libraries as their primary source of reading materials, especially those who may not have the means to visit a public library. It is of utmost importance to maintain a diverse and comprehensive library collection to cater to the varied interests and needs of all students. By providing a safe and accessible environment for book selection, we can support students' intellectual growth and foster a love of reading while respecting parental rights and concerns.
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 recognize the importance of transparency and community involvement in educational decisions. Florida House Bill 1069 empowers parents to read passages from any material subject to an objection and mandates that school districts discontinue the use of material if deemed unsuitable. Given this law, I support a fair and public review process for any book under objection. I believe in upholding parents' rights to be informed about the content their children are exposed to. Allowing parents to read passages and participate in the review process fosters trust and ensures their concerns are taken seriously. If a book is challenged, a transparent and public review process, as outlined in the district's objection policy, ensures a balanced and democratic approach. This process should include input from parents, educators, librarians, and community members, ensuring that all perspectives are considered and the decision-making process is fair and just. Opposing a fair and public review would undermine the principles of transparency and community engagement. It is essential to have an open dialogue where parents feel heard and respected while protecting our school libraries' educational value and intellectual freedom. By supporting a structured review process, we can address concerns thoughtfully and make informed decisions that best serve our students' academic needs.
As a lifelong learner, I believe the school library/media center is a cornerstone of our educational system. It serves as a vital resource hub, offering students access to a wide range of books, digital media, and educational materials that support their learning across all subjects. Our libraries are essential in fostering a culture of reading and research, which is crucial for academic success. I come from a working-poor, single-parent household. My school libraries were my lifeline. The library supports the curriculum by providing resources that complement classroom instruction. This ensures that students and teachers have adequate learning and teaching materials. In today’s information-rich world, libraries teach students essential skills in finding, evaluating, and using information effectively and ethically. Libraries also offer a safe, quiet space for students to study, complete assignments, and explore their interests. This sanctuary-like environment supports academic achievement and personal growth, making students feel secure and comfortable. Additionally, modern libraries provide technological access, ensuring all students have the tools they need to succeed in the digital age. The role of a certified, trained librarian or media specialist is equally important. These professionals play a crucial role in guiding students in their research, helping them develop information literacy skills, and supporting teachers in accessing and utilizing educational resources. Their expertise is invaluable in creating a dynamic and supportive learning environment, making students feel supported and guided in their learning journey.
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 and student access to library materials is a crucial and delicate task. As a school board candidate, I am committed to respecting parental rights while ensuring students have access to diverse educational resources. Firstly, I believe in open communication with parents. It is essential to involve parents in discussions about the materials available in our school libraries and to understand their concerns. We can establish a review committee, including parents, educators, and librarians, to evaluate and provide feedback on library materials. Secondly, we can implement a clear and transparent policy for selecting library materials. This policy should include criteria ensuring the materials are age-appropriate, educational, and reflect diverse perspectives. By involving parents in this process, we can address concerns proactively and maintain trust. Additionally, it is important to provide options for parental control. We can allow parents to review the books their children borrow and provide opt-out options for specific materials. This respects parents' rights to guide their children's education while allowing other students access to the full range of library resources. Lastly, it is vital to educate parents and students about the importance of diverse viewpoints and critical thinking. Libraries, with guidance, play a crucial role in exposing students to different cultures, ideas, and perspectives, all of which are essential for their development into well-rounded individuals. By fostering an environment of understanding and respect, we can help parents see the value of a diverse library collection. Balancing parental rights with student access requires ongoing dialogue, transparent policies, and a commitment to educational excellence. By working together with parents, educators, and librarians, we CAN ensure that our school libraries remain a valuable resource for all 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?
As a mother and an educator, I understand the importance of differentiating between the appropriateness of reading material in a captive classroom setting and self-selection in the school library. In classroom instruction, teachers guide students through carefully chosen texts that align with the curriculum and are suitable for their age and developmental level. This ensures a structured learning environment where all students can engage with the material in a supportive setting. However, students can self-select books in the school library, allowing them to explore their interests and read at their own pace. This freedom is significant for gifted students like my son and me, who read at a college level in middle school and can digest and think critically about advanced information. I do not support removing questionable books but advocate for a system where such books can be checked out with parental consent, ensuring parents are involved in their children's reading choices. Many students rely on their school libraries as their primary source of reading materials, especially those who may not have the means to visit a public library. It is of utmost importance to maintain a diverse and comprehensive library collection to cater to the varied interests and needs of all students. By providing a safe and accessible environment for book selection, we can support students' intellectual growth and foster a love of reading while respecting parental rights and concerns.
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 recognize the importance of transparency and community involvement in educational decisions. Florida House Bill 1069 empowers parents to read passages from any material subject to an objection and mandates that school districts discontinue the use of material if deemed unsuitable. Given this law, I support a fair and public review process for any book under objection. I believe in upholding parents' rights to be informed about the content their children are exposed to. Allowing parents to read passages and participate in the review process fosters trust and ensures their concerns are taken seriously. If a book is challenged, a transparent and public review process, as outlined in the district's objection policy, ensures a balanced and democratic approach. This process should include input from parents, educators, librarians, and community members, ensuring that all perspectives are considered and the decision-making process is fair and just. Opposing a fair and public review would undermine the principles of transparency and community engagement. It is essential to have an open dialogue where parents feel heard and respected while protecting our school libraries' educational value and intellectual freedom. By supporting a structured review process, we can address concerns thoughtfully and make informed decisions that best serve our students' academic needs.