*Another* opportunity to provide input to support school libraries (this one at the *National* Level versus the State): I received an email asking me to pass on this request (*see below*) to respond to a *US Department of Education* survey through my role as an ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) Affiliate rep. The survey is *very short *and includes open-ended questions. [5 questions: 2-demographics; 3-responses] This may be a great way for school library supporters to respond to indicate: the priority and need for Effective School Library Programs and School Librarians, as well as to request Regional Center support for effective school library programs. [I believe the deadline to submit a survey response is August 18] *Michigan is 41st on 4th Grade Reading achievement per NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress); and is 47th in the ratio of students per certified school library media specialist.* Thank you! Let me know if you have any questions, --Kathy Lester *The US Department of Education is requesting YOUR input on educational needs in your region!* The survey requests feedback on the most pressing educational issues and how the Department of Education’s Comprehensive Centers can provide assistance to address those issues. The Department of Education would appreciate feedback from anyone who has an interest in the current state of education and ideas for where improvements are most needed. Please complete the online survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PML2GPN at your earliest convenience. It would be appreciated if you could add your state and/or region into the text box, although this information is not specifically requested. Information will be compiled by regions, when possible, in order to best support each region. There are Regional Advisory Committees whose members are interested in gathering more detailed information as well. If you feel that you have additional information to share, please contact the Regional Advisory Committee members in your region and share with them. The deadline for the information gathering portion of this project is August 18, so don’t delay! Here is some context for how the gathered information will be used: The Comprehensive Centers (Centers http://www2.ed.gov/pr ograms/newccp/index.html) program is authorized by Title II of the Educational Technical Assistance Act of 2002 (ETAA), Education Sciences Reform Act (ESRA) of 2002. The Department of Education (Department) funds these Centers to provide technical assistance to State education agencies (SEAs) that builds SEA capacity to: support local educational agencies (LEAs or districts) and schools, especially low-performing districts and schools; improve educational outcomes for all students; close achievement gaps; and improve the quality of instruction. Before a competition for the Centers program is held, the ETAA requires the establishment of ten *Regional Advisory Committees (RACs)*. The purpose of these committees is to collect information on the educational needs of each of the ten regions. To the extent the Secretary deems appropriate, the Department will use the information submitted by the RACs, along with other relevant regional surveys of needs, to establish priorities for the next cohort of Centers. Thanks for taking the time to read this message, and complete the survey! Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PML2GPN 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