Schools Under Registration Review (SURR), except for schools closing in 2006, and New York City Schools participating in the School Quality Review Initiative (SQRI) who meet basic criteria are eligible for grants of $5,000 each for resources to support and improve their school library media program and therefore improve student achievement. This grant is for the period March 1, 2006 to June 30, 2006 and will be made pending submission and approval of an application, signed assurances, and budget (FS-10).
Allocations will be awarded as follows:

Eligible SURR Schools

New York City

Buffalo

Hempstead

Hempstead High School

Rochester

Frederick Douglas

Syracuse

George Fowler
James A. Shea Middle School
Seymour Magnet

Wyandanch

Milton O. Olive Middle School

Yonkers

Roosevelt High School

Eligible SQRI Schools

Purpose

Scientifically based research has shown that School Library Media programs which have up-to-date quality resources which support the schools’ curriculum, appropriate staffing, an adequate facility, and collaboratively planned instruction improve student achievement. The State Education Department School Library Media Program Improvement Initiative supports a multi-faceted program to improve school library media programs through direct services to SURR and SQRI schools.

Key elements of the Initiative include:

• Consultation to principals and teachers assigned to libraries

• On-site technical assistance to upgrade library facility

• Collaborative Library Media Program Improvement Institutes/Workshops

• Funds for resources to support the library media program

• Evaluation and data collection to indicate effectiveness

Support for the improvement of an integrated library media program includes grants of $5000 for individual listed schools for library media program resources: books, software, periodicals, commercial databases, etc. These schools must meet basic criteria and be willing to commit time, energy, and support to an improved library media program.

Basic Criteria

An applicant must assure their school meets the basic criteria listed below by signing the Assurance Form in the application.

• Has a school library facility;

• Has a school library media specialist or teacher assigned to the library;

• Commits to develop a school library media program improvement plan;

• Commits to use the grant funds to supplement existing local and State funding; and

• Commits to attend a local SED Library Institute (TBA).

Application Process

Listed schools, which meet the basic criteria, are required to complete an FS10 and application which includes an assurance form and one page narrative questions addressing how grant funds will be used for resources for their school library media program to improve student achievement. Funds from this program can only be spent to supplement funds for the library media program in the listed schools. These resources include books, periodicals, commercial databases, and computer and audiovisual software that are cataloged and processed and part of the library media center collection. Funds can NOT be spent for equipment, personnel, or overhead. If an applicant does not respond to all required components, the application will not be reviewed and, therefore, not eligible for funding.

All funds must be encumbered by June 30, 2006. There is no carryover of funds.

Submission Instructions

A complete application consists of an original and two copies of the following:

• Cover page

• Statement of Assurances

• Project Narrative – One page addressing the two basic questions

• FS-10 Budget Form

• Original signatures of school building principal and school superintendent (upstate) or regional superintendent (NYC)

Submit by February 28, 2006 to:

Frances Roscello
Associate in School Library Media Services
Room 375 EBA
Office of School Improvement and Community Services
New York State Education Department
Albany, New York 12234

Technical Assistance Contact

Questions concerning the content of the application should be directed to Frances Roscello, Associate in School Library Media Services, at froscell@mail.nysed.gov or 518-474-8485.

The State Education Department does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, religion, creed, disability, marital status, veteran status, national origin, race gender, or genetic predisposition or carrier status, or sexual orientation in its educational programs, services and activities. Portions of any publication designed for distribution can be made available in a variety of formats, including Braille, large print or audiotape, upon request. Inquiries regarding this policy of nondiscrimination should be directed to the Department’s Office for Diversity, Ethics, and Access, Room 152, Education Building, Albany, NY 12234. Requests for publications should be made to the Department’s Publication Sales Desk, Room 309 Education Building, Albany, NY 12234.