STRONG LIBRARIES
STRONG SCORES

A Texas LIBRARY CONFERENCE on 
Raising Student Achievement
for School Administrators and Trustees 

The Planning Committee will review the nominations in order to ensure that the final participants’ group is balanced geographically and at all school levels. Nominations will be taken through March 13. 

All participants will be responsible for their own transportation expenses. Administrators and trustees will be invited as guests to attend any or all of the Texas Library Association Annual Conference, March 31 - April 3, 2009 at the George R. Brown Convention Center, including the opening general session from 8:30 to 10 a.m. and the exciting TLA exhibit hall.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009
10:15 am to 1:30 pm
Hilton Americas-Houston
1600 Lamar, Houston TX

Inspired by First Lady Laura Bush's June 2002 White House Conference on School Libraries, this Texas conference will inspire, inform, and incite change in the ways Texas schools use libraries to improve student achievement.

This conference will provide the most current research showing the connection between higher test scores and strong library programs integrated into the academic fiber of a school.

Nationally recognized speakers will summarize the potential impact on achievement when a library program is well developed; explain findings of major studies and the implications for instruction; examine elements of successful library programs; and define a clear, practical call to action for educators to advocate for school libraries within their own spheres of influence.

Woven throughout the conference are opportunities for open dialogue with other educators to guide implementation of explored approaches at the local level.

AGENDA/SCHEDULE

10:15 – 10:30 Refreshments
10:30 – 12: 30 Welcome and TEA message
10:45 Keith Curry Lance (current research since 2000)
11:30 Marla McGhee (collaboration)

12:00 15-minute break, divide into 3 sub-groups
12:15 - 1:30 Box lunch and Break-Out sessions (as follows):
Practical Applications that improve
campuses - presentations and discussions

1. Elementary administrators - Jerona Williams, Principal; Guusje Moore, Librarian

2. Middle school administrators - Marla McGhee, past Texas Principal;
   Barbara Jansen, Librarian

3. High school administrators - Billye Smith, Principal and Betty Baker, Librarian

Local Administrators’ Perspective
Closing Remarks