Laws, Regulations & Guidance

2015-16 RCW/WAC Updates
The content below is designed to highlight several of the key statutes that make up, and relate to, RCW 28A.320.240 - School library information and technology programs-Resources and materials-Teacher-librarians and WAC 392-204-020 - School library media program.

Not every RCW and WAC related to school libraries is detailed or outlined here. Instead, we focus on those specific areas of interest common among schools eager to integrate a school library media program or make sure their current program aligns with state law and regulation.

Revised Code of Washington
RCW 28A.320.240 - School library information and technology programs - Resources and materials - Teacher-librarians -identifies the criteria for "quality" school library information and technology programs able to support Washington's academic standards and graduation requirements.

(1) The purpose of this section is to identify quality criteria for school library information and technology programs that support the student learning goals under RCW 28A.150.210, the essential academic learning requirements under RCW 28A.655.070, and high school graduation requirements adopted under RCW 28A.230.090.
(2) Every board of directors shall provide resources and materials for the operation of school library information and technology programs as the board deems necessary for the proper education of the district's students or as otherwise required by law or rule of the superintendent of public instruction.
(3) "Teacher-librarian" means a certified teacher with a library media endorsement under rules adopted by the professional educator standards board.
(4) "School library information and technology program" means a school-based program that is staffed by a certificated teacher-librarian and provides a broad, flexible array of services, resources, and instruction that support student mastery of the essential academic learning requirements and state standards in all subject areas and the implementation of the district's school improvement plan.
(5) The teacher-librarian, through the school library information and technology program, shall collaborate as an instructional partner to help all students meet the content goals in all subject areas, and assist high school students completing high school and beyond plans required for graduation.
(6) The teacher-librarian's duties may include, but are not limited to, collaborating with his or her schools to:

(a) Integrate information and technology into curriculum and instruction, including but not limited to instructing other certificated staff about using and integrating information and technology literacy into instruction through workshops, modeling lessons, and individual peer coaching;
(b) Provide information management instruction to students and staff about how to effectively use emerging learning technologies for school and lifelong learning, as well as in the appropriate use of computers and mobile devices in an educational setting;
(c) Help teachers and students efficiently and effectively access the highest quality information available while using information ethically;
(d) Instruct students in digital citizenship including how to be critical consumers of information and provide guidance about thoughtful and strategic use of online resources; and
(e) Create a culture of reading in the school community by developing a diverse, student-focused collection of materials that ensures all students can find something of quality to read and by facilitating school-wide reading initiatives along with providing individual support and guidance for students.

Four Related Statutes

• RCW 39.33.070 - School districts and libraries - Disposal of obsolete or surplus reading materials - Procedures
• RCW 28A.655.070 - Essential academic learning requirements and assessments - Duties of the superintendent of public instruction
• RCW 28A.150.210 - Basic Education - Goals of school districts
• RCW 28A.230.090 - High school graduation requirements or equivalencies - Reevaluation of graduation requirements - Review and authorization of proposed changes - Credit for courses taken before attending high school - Postsecondary credit equivalencies

Washington Administrative Code
WAC 392-204-020 - School library information and technology program

• The school library information and technology program is to include resources that promote a positive impact on student learning, such as a variety of resources for reading advocacy, student communication skills, electronic and print information, and resources that support student mastery of the essential academic learning requirements in all subject areas and the implementation of the district's school improvement plan, consistent with the goals for Washington common schools, as adopted by the state board of education.

WAC 392-204-009 - Definitions

• (1) "Teacher-librarian" means a certified teacher with a library media endorsement under WAC 181-82A-202 (1)(i), 181-82-344, or 181-82-346.
  
  (2) "School library information and technology program" means a school-based program that is staffed by a certificated teacher-librarian.

WAC 392-204-025 - Services

(1) The teacher-librarian, through the school library information and technology program, shall collaborate as an instructional partner and informational specialist with classroom teachers to develop students' information and technology skills, help all students meet the content goals in all subject areas, and assist high school students completing the culminating project and high school and beyond plans required for graduation under WAC 180-51-061.
(2) The teacher-librarian's duties may include, but are not limited to, collaborating with his or her schools to:

(a) Integrate information and technology into curriculum and instruction including, but not limited to, instructing other certificated staff about using and integrating information and technology literacy into instruction through workshops, modeling lessons, and individual peer coaching;
(b) Provide information management instruction to students and staff about how to effectively use emerging learning technologies for school and lifelong learning, as well as in the appropriate use of computers and mobile devices in an educational setting;
(c) Help teachers and students efficiently and effectively access the highest quality information available while using information ethically;
(d) Instruct students in digital citizenship, including how to be critical consumers of information and provide guidance about thoughtful and strategic use of online resources; and
(e) Create a culture of reading in the school community, by developing a diverse, student-focused collection of materials that ensures all students can find something of quality to read and by facilitating school-wide reading initiatives along with providing individual support and guidance for students.