ESEA+Resources

= = = = = **Language specifically listing the value of school libraries and school librarians must be inserted into the ESEA reauthorization currently before Congress. Below are talking points to make it easier to contact your legislator today!** = = = ====WASHINGTON, D.C. 2/18/2010: 'Democratic and Republican leaders of the House Education and Labor Committee today made an announcement about their plans for a bipartisan reform of the nation’s primary federal education law, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) – currently known as No Child Left Behind. U.S. Reps. George Miller (D-CA), the chairman of the committee, John Kline (R-MN), the senior Republican of the committee, Dale E. Kildee (D-MI), the chairman of the subcommittee on elementary and secondary education, and Michael N. Castle (R-DE), the senior Republican of that subcommittee, issued the following joint statement:“Today, we’re announcing a bipartisan, open and transparent effort to rewrite No Child Left Behind – a law that we all agree is in need of major reform. It will start with a series of hearings in the coming weeks to explore the challenges and opportunities ahead as we work to ensure an excellent education is available to every student in America. With a real commitment to innovation, we invite all stakeholders who share our serious interest in building a world-class education system to email us their suggestions.”====
 * Lawmakers Announce Plan for a Bipartisan Overhaul of Education Law**

** Resources from AASL ** (downloadable documents)**:**

 * [[image:http://www.wikispaces.com/i/mime/32/empty.png width="32" height="32" link="http://act4sl.wikispaces.com/file/view/ESEA+talking+points.doc"]] [|ESEA talking points.doc]
 * [[image:http://www.wikispaces.com/i/mime/32/empty.png width="32" height="32" link="http://act4sl.wikispaces.com/file/view/ESEA_School+Library+Funding.doc"]] [|ESEA_School Library Funding.doc]
 * [[image:http://www.wikispaces.com/i/mime/32/empty.png width="32" height="32" link="http://act4sl.wikispaces.com/file/view/ESEA_SAMPLE_Reauthorization_Letter.doc"]] [|ESEA_SAMPLE_Reauthorization_Letter.doc]

===// 1. Contact your legislators //. Find your legislators here. ===
 * Be accurate, specific and concise about your request.
 * Be student-centered and focused. Remember that our message is not all about meeting the needs of the school librarian. When possible and appropriate, use a brief student-centered story to put a "face" on the request.
 * Be positive in your message!

====**//2. Attend the rally in DC on June 29, 2010, at Upper Senate Park, on Capitol Hill during the ALA/AASL Annual Conference, June 24-29.//**====
 * Join Library supporters from around the country to ask the U. S. Congress for their support for library funding and policies.
 * Registration for ALA Library Advocacy Day Rally at @http://www.ala.org/lad or you may register for the rally when you register for the ALA Conference. Although pre-registration is not required, registration makes it possible to have adequate resources for all.