Right to Read Act: Strengthening School Libraries and Digital Literacy Skills
This Act establishes a formal "Right to Read" for all students, ensuring access to certified librarians, diverse materials, and evidence-based reading instruction. It mandates that schools provide effective, well-staffed libraries, directly enhancing the quality of education and the development of children's digital and information literacy skills. Furthermore, the law protects educators and librarians from liability when acting in conformity with the right-to-read policies, while reinforcing students' constitutional rights to access information in school libraries.
Key points
Guaranteed Right to Read: Students are guaranteed access to evidence-based reading instruction, effective school libraries, family literacy support, and culturally diverse and inclusive reading materials.
Mandate for Effective School Libraries: Libraries must be staffed by at least one full-time, State-certified school librarian who acts as an instructional leader and information specialist.
Funding and Recruitment: Authorization of significant appropriations ($500 million for grants) for comprehensive literacy development and for recruiting and training certified school librarians.
Protection of Constitutional Rights: Requires educational agencies to protect students' First Amendment rights (freedom of access to information) in school libraries, prohibiting partisan or political collection decisions.
Data Collection and Accountability: Mandates biennial data collection and reporting on the status of school libraries (staffing, collections, facilities) to ensure equitable access, especially for low-income and minority students.
Expired
Citizen Poll