SKILLS Act

Summary

Strengthening Kids' Interest in Learning and Libraries Act or the SKILLS Act Amends part A of title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to require the inclusion of effective school library programs in school improvement programs. Defines an "effective school library program" as one that: (1) is staffed by a state sanctioned school librarian; (2) has up-to-date materials and technology, including broadband; (3) includes regular collaboration between teachers and school librarians concerning school reform efforts; and (4) supports the development of digital literacy skills. Replaces the existing program under subpart 4 (Improving Literacy Through School Libraries) of part B of title I of the ESEA with a new program (Improving Literacy and College and Career Readiness Through Effective School Library Programs) awarding competitive three-year grants to local educational agencies (LEAs) to develop and enhance effective school library programs. Makes LEAs eligible for such grants only if at least 20% of their students are impoverished. Amends part A (Teacher and Principal Training and Recruiting Fund) of title II of the ESEA to rename part A the Teacher, School Librarian, and Principal Training and Recruiting Fund. Requires states and LEAs to use funds under the program to train school librarians, and recruit and retain highly effective school librarians.

This text is taken from the official record. PoliticalRepo does not editorialize.

Timeline

1. 29 January 2015

   Introduced

   Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (Sponsor introductory remarks on measure: CR S656)

   Source: IntroReferral

2. 29 January 2015

   Introduced

   Introduced in Senate

   Source: IntroReferral

Votes

No vote records are attached yet.

Versions

• Introduced in Senate · 29 January 2015 · Official file

Documents

3 official files

• Introduced in Senate (text)

  Introduced in Senate · EN · 29 January 2015

  ViewDownloadOpen at official source

• Introduced in Senate (PDF)

  Introduced in Senate · EN · 29 January 2015

  ViewDownloadOpen at official source

• Introduced in Senate

  summary · EN · 29 January 2015

  Open at official source

Sponsors

• John Reed · D · Sponsor
• Rep. Cochran, Thad [R-MS-4] · R · Sponsor
• Sheldon Whitehouse · D · Sponsor
• Sen. Feinstein, Dianne [D-CA] · D · Cosponsor
• · sshr00 · Standing

Related records

No cross-record relationships stored yet.