Library: Do Not Enter!

You would think that there is a sign on my library door that reads:

"Danger! Do Not Enter! All Who Enter Here Will Waste Time and Fail the STAAR Exam!"

My administrators have pretty much forbidden anyone from coming to the library this entire semester because they want everyone in the classrooms prepping for the upcoming STAAR test. Not just a week or two before the test, but the WHOLE semester!! Apparently, the library is not useful because I don't check out test prep packets to the kids. I actually provide real, authentic reading materials for the kids...oh, horrors! Something that doesn't contain multiple choice bubble answers?? Not allowed!! Despite the stacks of research that I provided to my principal regarding the impact of strong library programs on student achievement and despite the hours of professional development that reading/language arts teachers have participated in that emphasize the importance of students' having the freedom and choice to select reading materials that are on their level and of their interest to enhance reading comprehension, our school leaders are so test-obsessed that we can't do ANYTHING that doesn't have the name STAAR on it. It is so counterproductive and damaging to the kids that it is ridiculous....how can anybody with a doctorate in education not realize the importance of providing access to reading materials, research resources, and information literacy skills for this digital, information age that we live in? How can anyone who works in this print-poor community not realize the importance of kids having access to the books in this library? There is not a Barnes and Noble bookstore on the corner. There is not a public library within walking distance. Most homes don't invest in magazine subscriptions, newspaper subscriptions, or other print materials. What in the world could be wrong with allowing the teachers to invest 45 minutes every other week to bring their students to the library? I can guarantee you that the kids who sneak in here between classes or before school or during lunch to get books are going to be the highest scorers on the test anyway...why? Because they've been reading...really reading! Not boring themselves silly with test packets but really engaging in compelling, authentic, challenging texts. Unfortunately, only the most determined readers find time to make the trek to the abandoned third floor to visit the library....there are many other students who may not be as dedicated but still deserve the opportunity to have access to the materials and to be encouraged to read by the educators in this building. I just don't see visiting the library for 45 minutes twice a month is going to make anyone fail the STAAR test but apparently it is a waste of perfectly good instructional time (never mind that I do develop lessons and provide instruction to the classes when they come to the library) and we just can't have that!

It is a sad state of affairs when this is the kind of thinking and mindset that is leading our most challenged schools. What is best for kids has long since been tossed out the window and what's best for maintaining an illusion of "success" for the principal's image is now what we apparently work for.

Like one author eloquently titled a book...."Makes Me Want to Holler!!"