Over the past couple of months, research has revealed that students, particularly those in grades 3-8, have yet to return to pre-pandemic reading and math achievement levels. In fact, students need a little more than four months of instruction in each subject to return to the status quo. Yet, despite this nationwide challenge, Texas’ largest school district, Houston ISD, will be operating without libraries this year. What’s the plan?
Last week, local news outlets reported that the district will be eliminating librarian and media specialist positions at 28 of its campuses this year as part of the district’s New Education System led by Superintendent Mike Miles, who was appointed in June after the district underwent a takeover by the Texas Education Agency over concerns of failing schools.
As for the other 57 schools operating within the NES, the district disclosed that they will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, which suggests that additional libraries may soon close.
Instead, the libraries will be turned into “Team Centers,” which aim to serve students with behavioral issues, NBC affiliate KRPC reports. Former librarians and media specialists will have the opportunity to transition to other roles within the district.
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Miles explained that in addition to being used for “continuous instruction,” the libraries would provide students who were removed from the classroom the technology they need to work on classroom lessons as well as opportunities to work independently with support learning coaches.
“The foundation of NES is equity—where the most disadvantaged students in Houston receive the most support,” he wrote. “One of the unique components of the NES model is the team center—which is really the hub of differentiated instruction in an NES campus. This is where students who need extra support to catch up and have access to more time with a teacher or learning coach, and those students who are ready to work ahead can take on more challenging lessons and assignments.”
He also acknowledged the fact that many aspects of the traditional library may be missed.
“We understand the significance of certain programs with libraries and will strive to maintain those valuable offerings,” the district said in a statement. However, the move has drawn criticism from educators and policymakers throughout Houston.
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner asked Miles to reverse his decision to overhaul libraries, Houston Public Media reports.
“You cannot have a situation where you’re closing libraries for some schools in certain neighborhoods are there are other neighborhoods where there are libraries fully equipped,” Turner said during a city council meeting.
These feelings were echoed by other members of the council.
“It’s so awful,” said Karla Cisneros. “This is undermining the education of our children. An educated populace is really the bedrock of success, and this is just counter to that.”
