Show Me the Evidence!

Show Me The Evidence! (Mary Jo Langhorne 2005)

• There are various studies that show school library programs have a positive impact on student achievement.


• Evidence can be locally generated in a variety of ways.


• Data can be used to enhance budget requests. Budget requests need to be carefully correlated with building instructional goals. It helps to prepare the budget professionally with a spreadsheet. Base it on analysis of the data and include school curriculum and instructional goals.


• Use the data that is at your disposal now, not when cuts are being made.


• A great resource: School Libraries Work! (Scholastic) http://www2.scholastic.com/content/collateral_resources/pdf/s/slw3_2008.pdf


• It is up to us to recognise this as a golden opportunity to solicit support, be visible and gain ground.

My Thoughts: I saw this article as a call to action. We are told what sort of evidence we have at our disposal and practical ways that we can use it and share it with stakeholders. I felt a sense of urgency through the article - the time to act is NOW!