[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 81 (Monday, June 10, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4060-S4061]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. REED (for himself, Mr. Cochran, Mrs. Murray, and Mr. 
        Whitehouse):
  S. 1127. 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, and Whitehouse, the Strengthening Kids' 
Interest in Learning and Libraries Act.
  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.
  Our bipartisan legislation would reauthorize and strengthen the 
Improving Literacy through School Libraries program of the Elementary 
and Secondary Education Act, the only federal

[[Page S4061]]

initiative explicitly dedicated to supporting and enhancing our 
nation's school libraries. 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 would also strengthen Title I by asking state and 
school district plans to address the development of effective school 
library programs to help students gain 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 would broaden the focus of 
training, professional development, and recruitment activities under 
Title II to include school librarians.
  Absent a clear federal investment, the libraries in many of our high 
poverty schools will languish with outdated materials and technology, 
and in turn, students would be cut off from a vital information hub 
that connects them to the tools they need to develop critical thinking 
and research skills necessary for success. 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 our colleagues to join us in cosponsoring the bipartisan 
Strengthening Kids' Interest in Learning and Libraries Act, and to work 
together to ensure that it becomes a part of the upcoming 
reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

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