Colorado State Standards

The following excerpt is taken from the Colorado Department of Education website. http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdelib/strategicplanforlibraries2005.htm

Strategic Plan for Library Development in Colorado 2005-2009 Goal/Objectives/Indicators 

  Objective 3A

By fall, 2007, a coalition of library and educational leaders will develop and distribute quantitative and qualitative statewide standards for school libraries.

        Indicators

1.       Specific standards are created that are supported by Colorado’s education community, including the State Board of Education.

2.       Colorado schools credit improvement in school library services, collections, and staffing to the distribution of quantitative and qualitative standards for school libraries.

3.       The number of school districts that adopt the standards will meet or exceed the intended target numbers.

Objective 3B

Models for cooperation between school, academic, and public libraries that positively impact student achievement and lifelong learning will be created.

        Indicators

1.       10% of libraries will successfully adopt and implement cooperation among school, academic, and public libraries to improve the services available to Coloradans.

2.       Civic and educational leaders will acknowledge the efficiency and effectiveness of cooperation among school, academic, and public libraries and will support future development of such models across the state.

Objective 3C

Colorado residents will be able to access online learning and courses with support and resources provided by the library and its staff.

        Indicators

1.       10% of libraries will support and successfully implement online learning and course access for residents.

2.       Colorado residents will acknowledge that access to online learning and courses in the library helped improve their lives.

3.       The number of people using online learning and courses will meet targeted levels.

Objective 3D

Every board member, superintendent, and principal in Colorado will be provided with information about the impact that school libraries have on student achievement.

        Indicators

1.       Colorado school libraries and librarians will be included in school improvement plans developed by their districts.

2.       School library programs will be aligned with educational curricula, teaching practices, and assessment strategies employed in schools.

3.       Information literacy will be integrated with educational technology plans in all school districts.

4.       School librarians and library staff will become advocates for themselves and their programs by speaking regularly to school boards, principals, and superintendents about the role and value they play in student achievement.