Between 1980 and 2021, the total number of licensed school librarians in Oregon has plummeted from 818 to 147.
With the severe decline in the number of licensed librarians, Oregon students are missing out on foundational information literacy instruction that provides students with the knowledge and skills to evaluate information for success in their personal, professional, and civic lives. The lack of those skills follows students into their post-secondary education and adulthood.
Research explicitly links a strong school library program with increased student achievement and graduation rates: In a 2015 Washington (state) study, high schools with licensed librarians saw graduation rates of 85% compared to 76% for high schools without licensed librarians. The impact is further heightened among students in high-poverty schools where the graduation rate is 79% in schools with Certified Teacher Librarians (CTLs) versus 43% at those without.
“The takeaway for legislators is this,” says Keith Curry Lance, research consultant involved with impact studies in 15 states, “If you’re looking for something to fund in public education for which there is consistent evidence of a positive association with student success—one that can’t be explained away by social and economic inequality—school library programs are just such an investment opportunity.”
State investment is critical to getting Oregon back on track and providing young learners with the tools they need to succeed.
Consider making a donation to the People for Oregon Libraries PAC to assist our advocacy for increased investment for more school librarians and enhanced media standards statewide.
With the severe decline in the number of licensed librarians, Oregon students are missing out on foundational information literacy instruction that provides students with the knowledge and skills to evaluate information for success in their personal, professional, and civic lives. The lack of those skills follows students into their post-secondary education and adulthood.
Research explicitly links a strong school library program with increased student achievement and graduation rates: In a 2015 Washington (state) study, high schools with licensed librarians saw graduation rates of 85% compared to 76% for high schools without licensed librarians. The impact is further heightened among students in high-poverty schools where the graduation rate is 79% in schools with Certified Teacher Librarians (CTLs) versus 43% at those without.
“The takeaway for legislators is this,” says Keith Curry Lance, research consultant involved with impact studies in 15 states, “If you’re looking for something to fund in public education for which there is consistent evidence of a positive association with student success—one that can’t be explained away by social and economic inequality—school library programs are just such an investment opportunity.”
State investment is critical to getting Oregon back on track and providing young learners with the tools they need to succeed.
Consider making a donation to the People for Oregon Libraries PAC to assist our advocacy for increased investment for more school librarians and enhanced media standards statewide.