Response to Intervention

Concern: Response to Intervention (RtI) programs are being implemented in schools throughout the nation. The library media center and the school librarian play a central role in a school’s educational program and thus can be a key component of a school-wide RtI program. For the school library program to become an effective partner in improving student achievement the following are necessary:

• A set of best practices for school librarians involved in RtI
• School librarians are integral partners in the RtI program
• Maintain equity of access to the library for all school library patrons
• School librarian education programs should include concepts of working with educational reform initiatives such as RtI into their curricula

Action: Both the Affiliate Assembly Executive Committee and the Affiliate Assembly body approved this concern. It was sent to the AASL Board.

Action: At the ALA 2012 Midwinter Meeting, the AASL Board approved the Role of the School Library Position Statement which covers this concern. The AASL Educator Preservice Task Force was charged with creating a toolkit, Essential Links, and with working with state leaders in distributing theses resources.