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Improving School Libraries and Independent Reading: 1997-2002 Impact Evaluation of the K-12 School Library Printed Materials Grant. Policy Issue Report.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Improving School Libraries and Independent Reading: 1997-2002 Impact Evaluation of the K-12 School Library Printed Materials Grant. Policy Issue Report.
Language: English
Authors: Plucker, Jonathan A., Humphrey, Jack, Kearns, Ann M., Walter, Chrisanne N., Indiana Univ., Bloomington. Education Policy Center.
Availability: Indiana Education Policy Center, Smith Center for Research in Education, Suite 100, 2805 E. 10th St., Bloomington, IN 47408-2698. Tel: 812-855-1240; Web site: http://www.indiana.edu/~iepc.
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 25
Publication Date: 2002
Document Type: Reports - Research
Descriptors: Educational Facilities Improvement, Elementary Secondary Education, Independent Reading, Library Funding, Program Evaluation, Public Schools, School Libraries, School Surveys
Geographic Terms: Indiana
Abstract: As part of a comprehensive strategy to improve the literacy of Indiana students, the Indiana General Assembly provided $4 million for K-8 schools for the 1997-1999 school years in the School Library Printed Materials Grant. The grant was expanded to K-12 for the second funding cycle--1999-2000 and 2000-2001 and the funds increased to $6 million. Another $6 million was appropriated for a third funding cycle, 2001-2002 and 2002-2003. At this time, the funds for 2002-2003 appear to be eliminated because of the state's budget difficulties. This report provides an analysis of the impact of state funding on K-8 school library purchasing and circulation data. The Middle Grades Reading Network surveyed every public school in the state in 1997 (before the grant began), 1998, 2000, and 2002. Respondents provided both quantitative and qualitative data. Findings indicate: state funding for school libraries resulted in a substantial increase in book purchases and circulation; book purchasing appears to have a cumulative but potentially short-lived effect on circulation; the library materials program appears to be associated with a number of positive student outcomes, including increased use of library materials, increased student ownership of school libraries, higher levels of independent reading, and higher reading achievement; and the range of books purchased across all K-8 school during 2002 is large. The survey is appended. (NKA)
Entry Date: 2003
Accession Number: ED467648
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:As part of a comprehensive strategy to improve the literacy of Indiana students, the Indiana General Assembly provided $4 million for K-8 schools for the 1997-1999 school years in the School Library Printed Materials Grant. The grant was expanded to K-12 for the second funding cycle--1999-2000 and 2000-2001 and the funds increased to $6 million. Another $6 million was appropriated for a third funding cycle, 2001-2002 and 2002-2003. At this time, the funds for 2002-2003 appear to be eliminated because of the state's budget difficulties. This report provides an analysis of the impact of state funding on K-8 school library purchasing and circulation data. The Middle Grades Reading Network surveyed every public school in the state in 1997 (before the grant began), 1998, 2000, and 2002. Respondents provided both quantitative and qualitative data. Findings indicate: state funding for school libraries resulted in a substantial increase in book purchases and circulation; book purchasing appears to have a cumulative but potentially short-lived effect on circulation; the library materials program appears to be associated with a number of positive student outcomes, including increased use of library materials, increased student ownership of school libraries, higher levels of independent reading, and higher reading achievement; and the range of books purchased across all K-8 school during 2002 is large. The survey is appended. (NKA)