PALS

PARTNERS IN ACHIEVEMENT: LIBRARIES & STUDENTS (PALS)
Improving Student Achievement through
Data Use for Library-Media Specialists

A substantial body of research since 1990 clearly demonstrates ……that a well-stocked library staffed by a certified library media specialist has a positive impact on student achievement, regardless of the socio-economic or educational levels of the community.

- Scholastic Research Foundation paper, June 2004

Exemplary library programs have been proven to have a positive impact on student achievement. Library Media Specialists collaboratively partnering with teachers on assessing student learning needs is critical. A balance between an integrated instructional program and a properly aligned and current collection is essential to achieve this goal.

PALS is designed to develop the capacity of Library Media Specialists (LMS) and Teacher Partners to utilize data analysis tools and techniques, national and state standards, assessments, and collaborative instructional design to achieve this balance. LMS and teacher partners are given opportunities to collaborate using this knowledge to improve student performance. During the past four years, the PALS service has trained 38 Library Media Specialists, 47 Teacher Partners, and 2 Instructional Specialists from 17 school districts.