While the report makes for interesting reading, I am disappointed that there is no mention of school librarians, nor their impact on learning and reducing the attainment guide.
In my presentation to Moray headteachers, in February, I outlined research into school libraries and their impact on learning, as well as how school libraries can help to close the attainment guide.
The Impact of School Libraries on Learning Review demonstrated that there is considerable international evidence showing school libraries impact on:
- Higher test or exam scores equating to academic attainment: this includes academic attainment in the form of higher standardised test scores in reading, language arts, history and maths, and better grades in curriculum assignments or exams;
- Successful curriculum or learning outcomes, including information literacy: this includes higher quality project work, the development and practice of information literacy, increased knowledge and reading development; and
- Positive attitudes towards learning: including increased motivation, improved attitude towards learning tasks, self-esteem, and wider reading for pleasure.
International evidence shows the vital role of school libraries in improving literacy and encouraging reading. With Curriculum for Excellence being described as ‘at a watershed’ in the OECD Report, it will be all the more important to have good school libraries available to school students if Scotland is to fulfil its potential and offer a world-class education system.
Elsewhere in Europe, Finland attributes its top performance in PISA reading results to its excellent library system. Recognizing the importance of school libraries in this process, steps are currently being taken there to build up existing school library provision to bring it up to the standard of other parts of their library system.
The research findings established a relationship between school libraries and learning in the broadest sense:
Enrichment of the curriculum was understood to relate to the additional motivating and innovative activities provided by school librarians, in the form of special events and clubs and often related to reading promotion. Evidence for the impact of the school library on enrichment was less strong but identified through perception or shared practice studies as well as being highlighted in a few of the statistical studies.
The evidence supporting the school library’s impact on learning by providing information literacy instruction and CPD activities with teachers, was revealed in some large-scale statistical analyses and responses by some teachers. In these perception studies using a variety of mixed methods, individual teachers revealed their appreciation of school librarian support and instruction both for themselves and their students.
Evidence was also found to indicate that a quality school library can contribute to reducing the achievement gap and enabling vulnerable students to improve academic success.
Much of the evidence reveals the difference a school library with full-time qualified librarian can make at primary level and to disadvantaged who have limited access to reading resources in the home.
Shelagh Toonen is the Librarian at Elgin Academy
