A Strong
Media
Program
Positively
Affects
Student
Achievement
By Caleyann Coleman
MEDT 6466 Fall 2011
Fact: Achievement Test
Scores are 10-20% Higher with a
Quality Media Program
 Studies
have been conducted in over
3,300 schools all drawing the same
conclusion. Media programs improve
student achievement.
 Lance and Baughman conducted two
main studies showing the relationship
between higher student achievement
and media programs.
The Lance Study
 The
Lance study found that
Academic achievement was higher
when
 Schools
had a library media
specialist
 Media
specialists collaborated
with teachers
 Library collections were larger
Lance Study continued…
 The
Lance Study found that media
programs do many things for our
schools and students such as
 Partnering
with teachers to plan
collaboratively
 Teach a love and understanding of
reading
 Prepare students for using information
and technology
“Research shows that the
highest achieving
students attend schools
with good school libraries”
~James C Baughman
The Baughman Study
 The
Baughman Study found that
 Students
did better on state tests at
schools with media centers
 Students scored higher at schools with a
higher book per pupil ratio
 Students at schools with a full time
media specialist scored higher on state
testing
The Baughman Study
continued…

Dr. Baughman found that media programs
are most influenced by the following areas






Extra hours before and after school
Higher per pupil count of materials
A higher media center budget per pupil
Higher student use and instruction
Collection alignment with the curriculum
Complete staff including media specialist,
clerks, and parent volunteers
What about students in low
socioeconomic areas?


Dr. Baughman found
that school media
centers increased
student achievement at
schools with a higher
rate of free and
reduced lunches
He concluded that
students in a lower
socioeconomic area
can learn just as well
when given the proper
materials-a quality
media center
“Children in these
schools need
books, libraries,
and librarians as
much as, if not
more than do
other children”
~James C Baughman
Studies have been
completed in the
following states
Alaska
California
Florida
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Texas
Wisconsin
Other Studies
All these studies
draw the same
conclusion
Library Media
Centers
Positively
Affect Student
Achievement!
What is the role of the media specialist
to improve student achievement?

American Association of
School Librarians’ Information
Power gives a clear
description of the roles and
responsibilities of a media
specialist.

Media Specialists are




Teachers who
collaborate with
students to help with
the use of information
Instructional partners
with teachers to plan
and teach subject
matter
Informational specialist
in acquiring and
evaluating information
Program administrator
who plans, directs, and
advocates the media
program and media
center
What Can You, the Principal, Do to
Ensure a Quality Media Program?




Communicate with the media specialist often on
current media programs and new ideas
Encourage collaboration between teachers and
the media specialist
Support the media center budget as necessary to
ensure a higher books per pupil ratio
Support extended hours and a flexible schedule of
the media center
References
American Association of School Libraries (2011). Information Power: Building Partnerships
for Learning- Roles and Responsibilities of the School Library Media Specialist.
Chicago, Ill. Retrieved October 30th, 2011 from
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/aaslarchive/pubsarchive/informationpower/ro
lesresponsibilities.cfm
Baughman J, (2000). School Libraries and MCAS Scores. Simmons College, Boston, MA.
Retrieved October 29th, 2011, from http://web.simmons.edu/~baughman/mcasschool-libraries/Baughman%20Paper.pdf
References Continued
Lance, K., Loertscher, D. (2003). Powering Achievement 2nd Edition: School Library Media
Programs Make a Difference –Fifteen Minute Presentation PowerPoint. Retrieved
October 29th , 2011, from http://www.lmcsource.com/tech/power/2nd/power2.htm
Library Research Service (2011). The Impact of School Libraries on Student Achievement:
Exploring the School Library Impact Studies. Denver, Co. Retrieved October 30th,
2011, from http://www.lrs.org/impact.php