May 25, 2005
North Carolina Media and Technology Professionals:
It is with great pleasure that I commend to you the revised IMPACT: Guidelines for School Library Media and Instructional Technology Programs. The acknowledgement of the equal importance of both the school library media and the instructional technology programs in teaching and learning is the premise of these guidelines.
We know that school library media and instructional technology programs are the foundation of a 21st Century education. The access to information that these programs afford makes the difference between the textbook-bound classroom of the past and the far-reaching, resource-based curriculum of today and tomorrow. Research tells us that instructional technology, used appropriately, results in higher test scores. It is remarkably effective in sparking student interest, increasing motivation, and raising self-esteem, thus positively impacting student achievement. Research also tells us that a school library media center that provides up-to-date, accurate, and attractive resources managed by a professional school library media coordinator who collaborates with teachers to augment and enhance classroom instruction also results in increased test scores, especially in reading. IMPACT reflects both the reality of this research and the commitment to assuring that every teacher and student has the academic and personal advantage of access to these high quality programs.
No North Carolina citizen can be left behind! Implementing the IMPACT Guidelines in your school assures that our youngest citizens, their parents, and their teachers will have the skills necessary to enter the 21st Century world of work and civic responsibility.
The school library media and instructional technology program and the resources it promotes are central to the success of North Carolina's ABCs of Public Education and to Governor Easley’s 21st Century Learning Skills priority--in fact, to all school reform initiatives throughout the state. IMPACT and the excellence it fosters are a part of the vision and accountability necessary to produce schools that are First in America.
Howard Lee Chairman,
State Board of Education
