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WEMAtter Toolkit - Research

What does the research show us about the value of library media and information literacy programs? These links provide data supporting the connection between information literacy and student success. Links related to research and educational technology will have an * . (updated February 2008)

School Libraries Work  (pdf) 3rd ed. Danbury, Conn.: Scholastic Library Publishing, 2008.

A research report summarizing position papers and recent research on the impact of school library media programs on student achievement. If you need multiple copies, call Scholastic. 1-800-621-1115.

School Libraries & Student Achievement in Ontario Ontario Library Association, 2006.

This study confirms previous international research that there is a relationship between a school library's staff and resources with student achievement.

*Best Evidence Encyclopedia (The BEE). Center for Data-Driven Reform in Education, John Hopkins University.

The BEE contains educator-friendly summaries of research on educational programs educators should consider in order to improve student math and reading achievement:, comprehensive school reforms, technology applications and more.

Library Research Service

Master site of the studies correlating library media programs and student achievement with links to the state studies themselves. The site also includes statistics on school libraries.

*The Impact of Robust Library Media Programs and the Effective Use of Technology on Academic Achievement   Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

Annotated bibliography of research on the impact of school library media and technology programs with links to the full studies.

Strong Libraries Improve Student Achivement. Starr, Linda (2005). Education World. Originally published 07/11/2000. Links last updated 05/25/2005

Article for administrators summarizing some of the major points of the Lance studies.

 Technology Research


*CARET Center for Applied Research in Educational Technology

The center provides current research to support effective technology practice.

*National Educational Technology Trends Study: State Strategies V.1 and V. 2

Vol.1 examines the first two years of the federal Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT) program. Vol. 2 discusses supporting mathematics instruction with educational technology.

*SETDA's National Trends Report 2007, based on a study by the Metiri Group.

This report documents findings from Round 4 (FY 05) of the No Child Left Behind, Title II Part D, Enhancing Education Through Technology (NCLB II D) program.

*Maximizing the Impact: The Pivotal Role of Technology in a 21st Century Education System,

State Educational Technology Director's Association (SETDA) in association with ISTE and the Partnership for 21st Century Skills urge policy makers and stakeholders to use technology to develop proficency in 21st century skills, support innovative teaching and learning, and create robust education support systems.

*Technology Integration: Research and Best Practices PBS Teachers website.

A collection of recent research and best practices provides answers about how the integration of technology and media improve instruction and student learning.

*ISTE Research International Society for Technology in Education.

Includes ISTE white papers, research studies, and reports over the years that have helped shape policy and practice in educational technology.

*Technology in Schools: What Does the Research Say. Cisco
Systems and Metiri Group c1992-2006.

Technology does provide a "small, but significant," increase in learning across all uses and in all content areas when implemented "with fidelity."

*NACOL Research Reports - Online Learning. North American Council for Online Learning.

"NACOL, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to fostering a learning landscape that promotes student success and lifelong learning, " has recently released several reports discussing virtual schools and online learning.

*Why Technology in Schools EdTech Action Network (ETAN)

A review of research, data, and case studies conducted by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN), confirms that technology use in education yields a broad array of meaningful results.

Specific State Studies

New York State's School Libraries and Library Media Specialists: An Impact Study 2008

A preliminary report by researchers at Syracuse University School of Information Studies shows that New York State schools with certified librarians have higher scores on average on the fourth grade English Language Arts (ELA) test than those who don’t.

Student Learning through Wisconsin School Library Media Centers. 2006

The study examined the leadership and instructional roles of Wisconsin public school library media specialists required for a quality school library media program and the direct relationship with and impact on student achievement and learning across all grade levels.

Powerful Libraries Make Powerful Learners. Illinois School Library Media Assocation. 2005

Sharing the results of the Illinois study.

See Links Above for Other State Studies

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