[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 99 (Wednesday, July 6, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4395-S4397]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. REED (for himself, Mr. Cochran, Mrs. Murray, Mr. 
        Rockefeller, and Mr. Whitehouse):
  S. 1328. A bill to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act 
of 1965 regarding school libraries, and for other purposes; to the 
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
  Mr. REED. Mr. President, today I introduce with my colleagues 
Senators Cochran, Murray, Rockefeller, and Whitehouse, the 
Strengthening Kids' Interest in Learning and Libraries Act bill.
  Our bipartisan legislation will reauthorize and strengthen the school 
library program of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The key 
improvements to the program include ensuring that elementary, middle, 
and high school students are served; expanding professional development 
to include digital literacy instruction and reading and writing 
instruction across all grade levels; focusing on coordination and 
shared planning time between teachers and librarians; awarding grants 
for a period of three years; and ensuring that books and materials are 
appropriate for and gain the interest of students with special learning 
needs, including English learners.
  The SKILLS Act will also strengthen Title I by asking state and 
school district plans to address the development of effective school 
library programs to help students develop digital literacy skills, 
master the knowledge and skills in the challenging academic content 
standards adopted by the state, and graduate from high school ready for 
college and careers. Additionally, the legislation will broaden the 
focus of training, professional development, and recruitment activities 
under Title II to include school librarians.
  Since 1965, more than 60 education and library studies have produced 
clear evidence that school libraries staffed by qualified librarians 
have a positive impact on student academic achievement. Knowing how to 
find and use information are essential skills for college and careers. 
A good school library, staffed by a trained school librarian, is where 
students develop and hone these skills.
  The SKILLS Act will build on the success of the Improving Literacy 
through School Libraries programs that was part of the No Child Left 
Behind Act and is the only Federal initiative solely dedicated to 
supporting and enhancing our Nation's school libraries. The Department 
of Education's January 2009 evaluation of the program found that it had 
been successful in improving the quality of those school libraries 
receiving the grants. Unfortunately, even in the face of all the 
evidence of the role school libraries play in boosting student 
achievement and the efficacy of the program itself, the Administration 
opted not to use its authority to provide funding for the school 
library program under the fiscal year 2011 continuing resolution.
  This was a very short-sighted decision. Since its enactment in 2002, 
the Improving Literacy through School Libraries program has been making 
a difference for students across the country.
  In Rhode Island, for instance, this program supported the Get READY, 
Get Ready, Empowered And Determined Youth, project of the Woonsocket 
school district, which encompassed a comprehensive strategy to improve 
the reading skills and academic achievement of 6,296 students, in 
grades K-12, by addressing critical elements of an effective school 
library program. Grant funds allowed the district to replace outdated 
library materials, add one to two books per student at each library, 
extend library hours, and add new computers to connect students to 
information at other libraries. The funds also increased resources for 
professional development in technology training for teachers and 
librarians.
  Absent the Federal program, the libraries in many of our high poverty 
schools will languish with outdated materials and technology. This is a 
true equity issue, which is why I will continue to fight to sustain our 
Federal investment in this area and why renewing and strengthening the 
school library program is of critical importance.
  I urge my colleagues to join in cosponsoring the Strengthening Kids' 
Interest in Learning and Libraries Act.
  Mr. President I ask unanimous consent that the text of the bill be 
printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be 
printed in the Record, as follows:

                                S. 1328

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Strengthening Kids' Interest 
     in Learning and Libraries Act'' or the ``SKILLS Act''.

     SEC. 2. REFERENCES.

       Except as otherwise expressly provided, wherever in this 
     Act an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an 
     amendment to, or repeal of, a section or other provision, the 
     reference shall be considered to be made to a section or 
     other provision of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act 
     of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.).

         TITLE I--IMPROVING EDUCATION THROUGH SCHOOL LIBRARIES

     SEC. 101. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       Section 1002(b)(4) (20 U.S.C. 6302(b)(4)) is amended to 
     read as follows:
       ``(4) Improving literacy through school libraries.--For the 
     purpose of carrying out subpart 4 of part B, there are 
     authorized to

[[Page S4396]]

     be appropriated such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 
     2012 and for each of the 5 succeeding fiscal years.''.

     SEC. 102. STATE PLANS.

       Section 1111(b)(8) (20 U.S.C. 6311(b)(8)) is amended--
       (1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting 
     ``or include'' after ``describe'';
       (2) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (3) by redesignating subparagraph (E) as subparagraph (F); 
     and
       (4) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following:
       ``(E) an assurance that the State educational agency will 
     assist local educational agencies in developing effective 
     school library programs to provide students an opportunity to 
     develop digital literacy skills and the knowledge and skills 
     described in the challenging academic content standards 
     adopted by the State; and''.

     SEC. 103. LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGENCY PLANS.

       Section 1112(c)(1) (20 U.S.C. 6312(c)(1)) is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (N), by striking ``and'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (2) in subparagraph (O), by striking the period and 
     inserting ``; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(P) assist each school served by the agency and assisted 
     under this part in developing effective school library 
     programs consistent with section 1111(b)(8)(E).''.

     SEC. 104. SCHOOLWIDE PROGRAMS.

       Section 1114(b)(1)(D) (20 U.S.C. 6314(b)(1)(D)) is amended 
     by inserting ``school librarians,'' after ``teachers,''.

     SEC. 105. TARGETED ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS.

       Section 1115(c)(1)(F) (20 U.S.C. 6315(c)(1)(F)) is amended 
     by inserting ``school librarians,'' after ``teachers,''.

     SEC. 106. IMPROVING LITERACY AND COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS 
                   THROUGH EFFECTIVE SCHOOL LIBRARY PROGRAMS.

       Subpart 4 of part B of title I (20 U.S.C. 6383) is amended 
     to read as follows:

   ``Subpart 4--Improving Literacy and College and Career Readiness 
               Through Effective School Library Programs

     ``SEC. 1251. IMPROVING LITERACY AND COLLEGE AND CAREER 
                   READINESS THROUGH EFFECTIVE SCHOOL LIBRARY 
                   PROGRAMS.

       ``(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this subpart is to improve 
     students' literacy skills and readiness for higher education 
     and careers, by providing students with effective school 
     library programs.
       ``(b) Definition of Eligible Entity.--In this section, the 
     term `eligible entity' means--
       ``(1) a local educational agency in which 20 percent of the 
     students served by the local educational agency are from 
     families with incomes below the poverty line; or
       ``(2) a consortia of such local educational agencies.
       ``(c) Reservation.--From the funds appropriated under 
     section 1002(b)(4) for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall 
     reserve--
       ``(1) one-half of 1 percent to award assistance under this 
     section to the Bureau of Indian Education to carry out 
     activities consistent with the purpose of this subpart; and
       ``(2) one-half of 1 percent to award assistance under this 
     section to the outlying areas according to their respective 
     needs for assistance under this subpart.
       ``(d) Grants to Local Educational Agencies.--
       ``(1) In general.--From amounts appropriated under section 
     1002(b)(4) and not reserved under subsection (c), the 
     Secretary shall award grants, on a competitive basis, to 
     eligible entities to enable such entities to carry out the 
     authorized activities described in subsection (e).
       ``(2) Sufficient size and scope.--The Secretary shall award 
     grants under this section of sufficient size and scope to 
     allow the eligible entities to carry out effective school 
     library programs for which the grant funds are provided.
       ``(3) Distribution.--The Secretary shall ensure that grants 
     under this section are equitably distributed among the 
     different geographic regions of the United States, and among 
     eligible entities serving urban and rural areas.
       ``(4) Duration.--The Secretary shall award grants under 
     this section for a period of 3 years.
       ``(5) Local applications.--An eligible entity desiring to 
     receive a grant under this section shall submit an 
     application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, 
     and containing such information as the Secretary may require. 
     Such application shall include, for each school that the 
     eligible entity identifies as participating in a grant 
     program under this section, the following information:
       ``(A) a needs assessment relating to the need for literacy 
     improvement at all grade levels and the need for effective 
     school library programs, based on the age and condition of 
     school library resources, including--
       ``(i) book collections;
       ``(ii) access to advanced technology;
       ``(iii) the availability of well-trained, State certified 
     or licensed school librarians; and
       ``(iv) the current level of coordination and shared 
     planning time among school librarians and classroom teachers;
       ``(B) a description of which grade spans will be served, 
     and an assurance that funding will be distributed to serve 
     students in elementary, middle, and high schools;
       ``(C) how the eligible entity will extensively involve 
     school librarians, teachers, administrators, and parents in 
     the activities assisted under this section, and the manner in 
     which the eligible entity will carry out the activities 
     described in subsection (e) using programs and materials that 
     are grounded in scientifically valid research;
       ``(D) the manner in which the eligible entity will 
     effectively coordinate the funds and activities provided 
     under this section with Federal, State, and local funds and 
     activities under this subpart and other literacy, library, 
     technology, and professional development funds and 
     activities, including those funded through the Institute of 
     Museum and Library Services; and
       ``(E) the manner in which the eligible entity will collect 
     and analyze data on the quality and impact of activities 
     carried out under this section by schools served by the 
     eligible entity.
       ``(e) Local Activities.--Funds under this section may be 
     used to develop and enhance effective school library 
     programs, which may include activities to--
       ``(1) acquire up-to-date school library resources, 
     including books and reading materials that--
       ``(A) are appropriate for students in all grade levels to 
     be served and for students with special learning needs, 
     including students who are limited English proficient; and
       ``(B) engage the interest of readers at all reading levels;
       ``(2) acquire and use advanced technology, incorporated 
     into the curricula of the school, to develop and enhance the 
     digital literacy skills of students;
       ``(3) facilitate Internet links and other resource-sharing 
     networks among schools and school libraries, and public and 
     academic libraries, where possible;
       ``(4) provide--
       ``(A) professional development in the acquisition of 
     digital literacy skills and literacy instruction that is 
     appropriate for all grades, including the assessment of 
     student literacy needs, the coordination of reading and 
     writing instruction across content areas, and training in 
     literacy strategies in all content areas for school 
     librarians; and
       ``(B) activities that foster increased collaboration among 
     school librarians, teachers, and administrators; and
       ``(5) provide students with access to school libraries 
     during nonschool hours, including the hours before and after 
     school, during weekends, and during summer vacation periods.
       ``(f) Supplement Not Supplant.--Funds made available under 
     this section shall be used to supplement, and not supplant, 
     other Federal, State, and local funds expended to carry out 
     activities relating to library, technology, or professional 
     development activities.
       ``(g) Accountability and Reporting.--Each eligible entity 
     that receives funds under this section for a fiscal year 
     shall prepare and submit a report to the Secretary regarding 
     how the funding was used and the extent to which the 
     availability of, the access to, and the use of, up-to-date 
     school library resources in the elementary schools and 
     secondary schools served by the eligible entity was 
     increased.''.

    TITLE II--PREPARING, TRAINING, AND RECRUITING HIGHLY EFFECTIVE 
              TEACHERS, SCHOOL LIBRARIANS, AND PRINCIPALS

     SEC. 201. TEACHER, SCHOOL LIBRARIAN, AND PRINCIPAL TRAINING 
                   AND RECRUITING FUND.

       Title II (20 U.S.C. 6601 et seq.) is amended--
       (1) in the title heading, by striking ``HIGH QUALITY 
     TEACHERS AND PRINCIPALS'' and inserting ``HIGHLY EFFECTIVE 
     TEACHERS, SCHOOL LIBRARIANS, AND PRINCIPALS''; and
       (2) in the part heading, by striking ``TEACHER AND 
     PRINCIPAL'' and inserting ``TEACHER, SCHOOL LIBRARIAN, AND 
     PRINCIPAL''.

     SEC. 202. PURPOSE.

       Section 2101(1) (20 U.S.C. 6601(1)) is amended to read as 
     follows:
       ``(1) increase student achievement through strategies such 
     as--
       ``(A) improving teacher, school librarian, and principal 
     quality; and
       ``(B) increasing the number of highly effective teachers in 
     the classroom, highly effective school librarians in the 
     library, and highly effective principals and assistant 
     principals in the school; and''.

     SEC. 203. STATE APPLICATIONS.

       Section 2112(b)(4) (20 U.S.C. 6612(b)(4)) is amended by 
     inserting ``, school librarians,'' before ``and principals''.

     SEC. 204. STATE USE OF FUNDS.

       Section 2113(c) (20 U.S.C. 6613(c)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (4)--
       (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
     ``principals,'' and inserting ``highly effective school 
     librarians, and highly qualified principals and''; and
       (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``, principals,'' and 
     inserting ``, highly effective school librarians, and highly 
     qualified principals''; and
       (2) in paragraph (6), by striking ``teachers and 
     principals'' each place the term appears and inserting 
     ``teachers, school librarians, and principals''.

     SEC. 205. LOCAL USE OF FUNDS.

       Section 2123(a) (20 U.S.C. 6623(a)) is amended by inserting 
     after paragraph (8) the following:

[[Page S4397]]

       ``(9)(A) Developing and implementing strategies to assist 
     in recruiting and retaining highly effective school 
     librarians; and
       ``(B) providing appropriate professional development for 
     school librarians, particularly related to skills necessary 
     to assist students to improve the students' academic 
     achievement, including digital literacy skills and 
     preparation for higher education and careers.''.

                     TITLE III--GENERAL PROVISIONS

     SEC. 301. DEFINITIONS.

       Section 9101 (20 U.S.C. 7801) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating paragraphs (16), (17), and (18) 
     through (43) as paragraphs (17), (18), and (20) through (45), 
     respectively;
       (2) by inserting after paragraph (15) the following:
       ``(15) Digital literacy skills.--The term `digital literacy 
     skills' has the meaning given the term in section 202 of the 
     Museum and Library Services Act.''; and
       (3) by inserting after paragraph (18) (as redesignated by 
     paragraph (1)) the following:
       ``(19) Effective school library program.--The term 
     `effective school library program' means a school library 
     program that--
       ``(A) is staffed by a State certified or licensed school 
     librarian;
       ``(B) has up-to-date books, materials, equipment, and 
     technology (including broadband);
       ``(C) includes regular collaboration between classroom 
     teachers and school librarians to assist with development and 
     implementation of the curriculum and other school reform 
     efforts; and
       ``(D) supports the development of digital literacy 
     skills.''.

     SEC. 302. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.

       (a) Table of Contents.--The table of contents in section 2 
     of the Act is amended--
       (1) by striking the items relating to subpart 4 of part B 
     of title I and inserting the following:

   ``subpart 4--improving literacy and college and career readiness 
               through effective school library programs

``Sec. 1251. Improving literacy and college and career readiness 
              through effective school library programs.'';
       (2) by striking the item relating to title II and inserting 
     the following:

   ``TITLE II--PREPARING, TRAINING, AND RECRUITING HIGHLY EFFECTIVE 
             TEACHERS, SCHOOL LIBRARIANS, AND PRINCIPALS'';

     and
       (3) by striking the item relating to part A of title II and 
     inserting the following:

    ``PART A--Teacher, School Librarian, and Principal Training and 
                          Recruiting Fund.''.

                                 ______