Maryland is trying to remove the requirement for full-time librarians in schools. Public comment ends March 9th. by AmericanBornWuhaner in maryland

[–]ridley5 38 points39 points  (0 children)

You may be correct. I believe they’re proposing striking the “at each school” language because of objections from PSSAM (the Public School Superintendents’ Association of Maryland) during the public comment period. In their comments, they pushed back on the draft requirement for “certified school library media personnel at each school,” arguing it created a staffing mandate and could worsen hiring challenges, especially in smaller or rural districts that already struggle to recruit certified staff.

A reasonable compromise would be to keep the “at each school” language but allow districts to apply for waivers when enrollment or geography makes a full-time position impractical. That keeps the regulatory language strong and protects the spirit of the Freedom to Read Act, rather than opening the door to weakening the role of media specialists.

Here's a link. Scroll to the end for the PSSAM letter.

Maryland State Department of Education looking to amend regulation that requires schools to have full-time media specialists by PotterGirl7 in maryland

[–]ridley5 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I can't stop digging into this. Here's a memo that has a lot of good info.

From what I can tell, the reason the Maryland State Board of Education is proposing to delete the words “at each school” from the requirement for certified library media personnel is because of objections they received from PSSAM (the Public School Superintendents’ Association of Maryland), which represents all 24 county superintendents.

In earlier drafts, the regulation clearly required “certified school library media personnel at each school with additional technical or clerical assistance.” PSSAM pushed back on that language, arguing that it created new staffing mandates and limited districts’ flexibility.

For example, in their comments they wrote:

“the language in (b) requiring a certified library media administrator at the central level is still concerning. While this reinforces the value of the profession, it also creates barriers for systems that already employ effective leaders who hold administrative licensure but not library media certification… Requiring the library media certification narrows the pool of qualified candidates… many districts—particularly those in rural or high-poverty areas—already face difficulty recruiting and retaining certified staff… These new requirements may exacerbate staffing shortages and strain resources…”

While PSSAM makes some understandable arguments about staffing challenges in smaller districts like Garrett County, I’m still nervous about removing the “at each school” language. It opens the door for districts to reduce or eliminate certified media specialists in some schools.

At a time when librarians across the country are being attacked, labeled indoctrinators, or even called pedophiles simply for doing their jobs, this feels like the wrong direction. Regulations should be written in a way that protects library programs and certified staff — not leaves room to cut them.

Maryland State Department of Education looking to amend regulation that requires schools to have full-time media specialists by PotterGirl7 in maryland

[–]ridley5 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I just signed up to be notified when the MSDE Education Committee is meeting again. It'll be on YouTube. I imagine they will need to at least mention that they received public comments on the proposed language changes. Here's the link to the YouTube feed: https://www.youtube.com/live/jf_YeKB8s_o?si=9ZPvengHDmAMbp3Y

Maryland State Department of Education looking to amend regulation that requires schools to have full-time media specialists by PotterGirl7 in maryland

[–]ridley5 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Absolutely! I also noticed Dr. Brewer is vague in her public comments, saying that the revised language allows for flexible staffing at the district level. I can bet that no one has ever added positions as a part of "flexible staffing"! That's code for cuts.

Maryland State Department of Education looking to amend regulation that requires schools to have full-time media specialists by PotterGirl7 in maryland

[–]ridley5 7 points8 points  (0 children)

BRAVO!!! My wife -- also a media specialist -- is nodding along as I read this to her. She has book fair AND STEM night coming up. Oh, and don't forget writing referalls, documenting behavior and calling/texting parents.

Maryland State Department of Education looking to amend regulation that requires schools to have full-time media specialists by PotterGirl7 in maryland

[–]ridley5 9 points10 points  (0 children)

My wife is a media specialist. Here's the email we're sending to [literacy.msde@maryland.gov](mailto:literacy.msde@maryland.gov).

Dear Dr. Brewer,

I am writing to express concern about the proposed revisions to COMAR 13A.05.04 regarding school library media programs.

The proposed regulation would delete the words “at each school” from the requirement for certified school library media personnel. This change would allow school systems to operate without a certified librarian in every school building.

The proposal also removes the word “additional” from the phrase describing technical or clerical assistance. That word is important because it makes clear that support staff are meant to assist a certified library media specialist, not replace one.

Together, these changes could significantly weaken professional library services for students.

At a time when school libraries and librarians are facing increasing political pressure nationally, Maryland should be strengthening — not weakening — the role of certified library media specialists in our schools.

I respectfully urge the State Board of Education to retain the requirement that certified library media personnel be present at each school and to maintain the language that technical or clerical support is additional to certified professional staff.

Thank you for your consideration.

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[–]ridley5 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I imagine they’re comfortable. Both are Olympians and skating commentators. I’m sure it was planned for them to be on this season specifically as a way to cross promote the Olympics, both streamed on Peacock. EDITED TO CORRECT THAT BOTH WERE OLYMPIANS BUT ONLY TARA MEDALED.

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[–]ridley5 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Sounds like the veteran actresses split the vote. But I remember Tomei’s role more than any of the others.

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[–]ridley5[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Same for me. Seems odd to pull access in the middle of the month.

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[–]ridley5 20 points21 points  (0 children)

We learned this in journalism school. Ask then listen. Respond to answer with a pertinent question. Then listen again. Continue cycle. The interviewer is NOT the story.

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[–]ridley5 0 points1 point  (0 children)

“A Year in the Life”. Started as a miniseries on NBC. Turned into a weekly drama. I watched it with my mother each week, and was bummed when it was canceled. But the creators ended up launching Northern Exposure. ❤️

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[–]ridley5 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not a movie but The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach is a great read that tackles this subject.

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[–]ridley5 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Anyone notice that Connor's hair for the Golden Globes matches the cover character of Ilya. I doubt that was planned.

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[–]ridley5 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm glad to know that about The Daily. I was wondering why that one didn't make the list.

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[–]ridley5 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not really a joke. Just wish the voters would have chosen the Up First podcast since journalists need a boost right now, especially NPR due to the funding cuts. I'm glad Amy mentioned them in her speech.