From the Commissioner

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From the Commissioner

• Thank you for inviting me to attend this years
  Texas Library Association Annual Conference.

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• Unfortunately, due to a prior legislative
  commitment I am unable to attend, but I want to
  assure you that I am working hard in support of
  your efforts and the invaluable contributions
  that you make to our students, educators, schools
  and communities.

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• I would like to bring to your attention some
  specific efforts that have been made by TEA and
  other state agencies to support libraries in
  Texas.

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• Some examples of this can be seen in a recent
  legislative report, The Needs of Texas Public
  School Libraries Report, which was developed to
  focus specifically on the unique issues of
  libraries and pinpoint the state agencies that
  could assist schools to best meet those needs.

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• The TEA, in collaboration with the State Library
  and Archives Commission, has developed this
  report using findings from schools and has
  provided the following recommendations

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• Build robust K-12 Databases to allow access to
  online research and information resources
• Review and continue support implementation of
  high state library standards
• Encourage and foster continuous support of
  teacher and librarian collaboration in
  implementing meaningful methods of raising
  student achievement and
• Emphasize and recognize the valuable role
  librarians in educating our children.

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• Overall, the report sets the course for helping
  schools meet the recommendations with action
  points for TEA, the State Library and Archives
  Commission, Education Service Centers, and
  Schools of Education.

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• Another effort that can impact librarians is the
  American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)
  funding. As members of the education community,
  we are all committed to dramatically improving
  student achievement.

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• I believe that the ARRA represents an
  unprecedented opportunity to advance the
  innovative efforts of districts and help them
  meet the needs of our students and educators.
  Most importantly, schools will be able to
  support and strengthen the connection between
  curriculum, libraries, technology, and research.

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Information on ARRA
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http//window.state.tx.us/recovery
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wh
www.tea.state.tx.us
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• You also have an important role in helping
  schools implement the Reading/ELA Standards
  recently approved by the State Board of
  Education, especially those TEKS with emphasis on
  research skills. These standards, along with the
  College and Career Readiness Standards, are
  forging a natural partnership between teachers,
  students and librarians.

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Information on ELA TEKS
www.tea.state.tx.us/teks
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• In addition, your role in the Technology
  Applications TEKS for grades K-12 is another
  opportunity for contribution of your knowledge,
  expertise, and collaboration with classroom
  teachers. These partnerships are imperative to
  prepare Texas students for their future in the
  21st Century.

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• As you know, an excellent source for providing
  technology and professional development in
  schools and libraries is the technology
  allotment. I will continue to support increasing
  the technology allotment, which would provide the
  resources for the technology needed for schools
  to meet the needs of students.

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• Another curriculum and library resource that the
  agency continues to support is the K-12
  Databasesthe online research and information
  resourcesfor students, educators, and their
  immediate family for use at school and home.

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• These databases play a critical role in
  empowering students to become informed digital
  citizens in a rapidly changing and increasingly
  competitive world. It is a way of providing
  equitable access to current, reliable, and safe
  online information resources for all students in
  Texas.

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• In closing, please know that you are vital to our
  students, educators, schools, families, and
  communities. I know this conference will be
  important to your continued learning and shared
  best practices as you create new communities of
  ideals and innovation. I hope you have a
  wonderful conference.
• Sincerely,
• Robert Scott
• Commissioner of Education