School libraries belong in Chapter 70
Currently, the Massachusetts Department of Education does not provide any specific funding, leadership or statewide standards for its school libraries due to their exclusion from Chapter 70.
The State of Massachusetts does not require schools to providing library programs for students, leading to the progressive decay of library programs across the state, and compromising the success of Education Reform.

Inclusion of school libraries in Chapter 70 through Bill H567 ensures that Massachusetts schools provide the information, literacy, and technology centers students need to move forward and build on the achievements made under Education Reform

Key reasons for including school library programs in Chapter 70:
Well-designed studies from 14 states, including a study conducted at Simmons College in Boston, show a positive relationship between good school libraries and student achievement, including positive impacts on:¹

• reading scores
• literacy
• academic achievement as measured by standardized testing (including the MCAS in the Simmons study)
• technology skills

The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) evaluates library/media services and staffing as part of its accreditation process for secondary schools²

Chapter 15 of the Massachusetts General Laws supports the establishment of school library/media centers, including the acquisition of materials and professional staffing.

Department of Education specifications for new school construction include school library/media centers in all new buildings³

Only schools with credentialed library teachers are eligible to participate in regional library systems and receive government grants, databases, and other support worth thousands of dollars per district⁴

With adequate facilities and the presence of a professional library teacher a school library/media center evolves from a "reading room" to a dynamic learning center!  A strong library program is a cost-effective way to boost student achievement.