The Michigan Department of Education Survey on ESSA Implementation is hugely important to School Libraries and Librarians.  ALA & AASL worked to get school library provisions into the Every Student Succeeds Act; however, each state has flexibility on their own implementation plan.

MAME has a Task Force working to have MDE include effective library programs into their 2017 ESSA Plan; but we need your help.  [Thank you if you have already responded to this survey.]
Please respond to MDE's online survey found HERE.

The survey must be completed and submitted by Tuesday, August 16.  Please take a few minutes to complete and submit this online document.  To make it easier to accomplish, we offer a few tips:
There is a separate section of the survey for each Action Team currently seeking input. At a minimum, please respond to those sections (see bullet points below) for which there is a connection to school librarians and/or effective school library programs and when finished, select "I'm Done." Responses to each aspect of the survey are not required.]
  • Please respond to at least one question in these sections of the survey 
    • Additional Indicator of School Quality and Transparency Dashboard
      • Include indication of effective school library program by including indicators such as ratio of school library media specialists to students and/or a school's SL21 status (http://www.michigan.gov/sl21)
         
    • Supports
      • Respond under "Other" for supports at district level:
        • Provide professional development and training for district and building administrators on the critical role of school library media specialists and evidence-based practices for effective school library programs, as defined by MDE School Libraries (SL21) Benchmarks to maximize student achievment. (http://www.michigan.gov/sl21)
      • Respond under "Other" for supports at school level:
        • In order to receive a well-rounded education, all students need equal access to effective school library programs staffed by certified school library media specialists.  Certified school library media specialists:
          • Increase reading achievement
          • Are leaders in technology integration, and
          • Are critical in preparing students for college and career (they teach digital citizenship skills, information literacy, and research skills)
  • Teacher and Leader Quality
    • The MDE should specifically include school librarians as part of any effort related to teacher quality to help ensure activities include all individuals that provide instruction to students.
       
  •  Using Data to Inform Instruction
    • Effective school library programs use data to inform instruction and should be specifically included as part of any MDE efforts in this area.
Please use the language found at the following link to assist you in personalizing or strengthening your survey responses:
The link to the online survey is HERE.

Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you,
Kathy Lester
--
Kathy Lester, MLIS, MA
MAME Advocacy Chair, Past-President 2014
School Library Media Specialist / Technology Coach
East Middle School, Plymouth-Canton Schools
2012 State Librarian's Excellence Award Winner
kathyL@mimame.org