Resources RECENT ARTICLES The Missing Link Article by John Allemang Studies show that an old-fashioned tool—the school library—dramatically affects students’ grades. Standardized test scores indicate that students score 10 to 20 percent higher in schools with a well-stocked and adequately staffed library. Globe and Mail, June 21, 2003 Library Study: A Shortage Story Article by Caroline Alphonso Students are losing valuable resources as the number of teacher-librarians has declined over the past five years. Print materials have fallen 20 percent and teacher-librarians are working 21.4 hours per week compared with 27 hours three years ago. Globe and Mail, March 11, 2005 School Libraries Face Cost Crunch Article by Caroline Alphonso Research indicates that greater funding and more access to a qualified teacher-librarian directly correlates with higher student achievement levels. Due to cutbacks, students are approaching post-secondary education and the workforce without important literacy skills. Globe and Mail, May 5, 2005 How to Raise Passive Consumers of Culture Article by Kate Taylor Reading and the arts are not a priority in lower-income schools. An education system without strong literacy and arts programming further separates the poor from the rich and does not adequately prepare children for the challenges of the workforce. Globe and Mail, June 8, 2005 Public Schools Getting Financial Boost for Libraries Publicly funded schools in Ontario will receive $61 million for new textbooks and other library resources. These libraries will acquire current and relevant materials regardless of size or location. Globe and Mail, May 25, 2005 Ensure Place for School Librarians The Ministry of Education provides 1 full time librarian for every 769 full time students, and the librarian is often used for other roles in the school system. The Ministry needs to ensure that the teacher-librarian is being used for the intended purpose in the library. Toronto Star, May 29, 2005 The Big Boss Goes to School Article by Murray Campbell Teachers and parents hope Liberals will bring about positive change in the education system. Liberals aim to increase the number of teacher-librarians and increase spending within the education system. Globe and Mail, May 27, 2005 Taking the Brand to the Classroom Article by Caroline Alphonso Corporate companies help fund school resources through their own literacy programs. Call it strategic marketing or goodwill, many corporations are donating time and money into the classroom. Globe and Mail, April 30, 2005 PE, Tech Classes Hurt by Spending Cuts Article by Caroline Alphonso Schools with declining enrollment are dedicating funding to mandatory classes and cutting back on design programs, family studies and teacher-librarians. Globe and Mail, June 22, 2005 Coalition Says Ontario High School Libraries Still Lack Funds Article by Dory Cerny Antheunis The OCSL appeals for the importance in the allocation of funding in school libraries and the vital role that teacher-librarians play in the development of critical research tools. Quill and Quire, March 11, 2005 Decline in School Libraries is Worrisome Article by Graham Fraser The lack of investment in school libraries including fewer teacher-librarians and resources impact student learning and literacy skills. Increased student visits to the library directly correlates with high test scores. Toronto Star, July 6, 2003 School Arts Reduced to ‘a Frill,’ Report Says Article by Martin Knelman Art programs in Ontario schools have been devastated by a decade of funding cuts. The arts are a core part of the curriculum and are substantially less valued as part of a well-rounded education. Toronto Star, Mary 25, 2004 Board Adds 65 Librarian Positions in Schools Article by Tess Kalinowski The Toronto District School Board promises 65 full-time librarians without waiting for financial security. This questionable decision was made to emphasize the importance of libraries and literacy, in hopes that the funding will come through. Toronto Star, Feb. 24, 2005 Small is Beautiful, but Poorly Funded Article by Louise Brown Ontario will be forced to keep closing small schools unless it stops basic funding so heavily on enrollment. The crisis in Ontario’s small schools stems from government funding on a per-pupil basis in elementary schools that do not have enough students. Toronto Star, Jan. 28, 2005 There’s a Link Between Libraries and Literacy Toronto District School Board recognizes the link between school libraries and student literacy achievements—something the government has yet to see. Toronto Star, Feb. 27, 2005 Shelves of Musty Books Article by Tess Kalinowski School libraries continue to have outdated books that do not reflect the current curriculum and student diversity. The challenge of keeping collections relevant is complicated by staff cutbacks and lack of funding. Toronto Star, March 11, 2005 School Libraries Woefully Underfunded, StatsCan Finds Statistics Canada reports that the government does not invest in school libraries which has an impact on the quality of student’s literacy and overall education. Toronto Star, May 9, 2005 New Chapter for School Libraries Article by Tess Kalinowski The Ontario government announced that $17 million will be allocated for school libraries. The funding, which is equivalent to $3,500 per school, is not equal to the $540.5 million spent on schoolbooks alone. Toronto Star, May 27, 2005 A School Library Par Excellence Article by Tess Kalinowski Parkdale Collegiate opens its new 1 million, 5,000 square-foot library. The new library gives the high school’s 600 students a new technological window. Toronto Star, May 10, 2005 Survey of Schools Find Mixed Progress Article by Tess Kalinowski Many Ontario schools are offering fewer art and technology classes, ESL programs and are hiring less teacher-librarians due to budget cutbacks. Toronto Star, June 22, 2005 Book Learn’ Article by Kim Pittaway Canada is not commitment to school libraries Instead of spending money on libraries, the government is reducing staff and cutting costs forcing parents to raise funds for books that should be considered a core teaching tool. Chatelaine, Oct. 2002 A Quarter of a Teacher-Librarian Article by Gillian O’Reilly A report by Statistics Canada shows a clear decline on teacher-librarian staffing and overall funding. Through these stats, the government and the media are only beginning to recognize that teacher-librarians play a vital role in linking children and Canadian books. Canadian Children’s Book News, Summer 2005 Divisions Buck National Decline in School Library Staff, Funding Article by Julie Saccone The Saskatoon public and Catholic school divisions report that their school libraries remain a high priority despite the declining state of facilities in Canada. Saskatoon Star Phoenix, April 15, 2005