Higher test scores linked to certified media specialists

Preliminary findings of research conducted by professor Ruth Small and graduate students in the Center for Digital Literacy (CDL) at Syracuse University's School of Information Studies (iSchool) show a statistically significant increase in the ELA test scores—almost a 10 point difference—among fourth-grade students whose schools had certified librarians over students in schools without certified librarians.

“We believe these findings are important to consider, not only because of the higher ELA test scores. These certified librarians are having a larger impact on students’ overall learning as well,” says Small, who directs the school library media program at the iSchool. “Although we’re still analyzing the data, our preliminary results show that certified librarians are also more likely to provide students with materials that present more diverse points of view and that better support the curriculum than non-certified librarians.”

For further information, read the news report from Syracuse University's School of Information Studies.