McGuinty Government Expands School Library Services
Government of Ontario: 2008 February 14
http://www.premier.gov.on.ca/news/Product.asp?ProductID=1952&Lang=EN
MISSISSAUGA — Elementary students in Ontario are going to get extra help reading and learning in their school libraries.
Ontario will provide school boards across the province with an additional $40 million over the next four years to hire about 160 more library staff.
Research shows that students who develop solid reading skills in elementary school have a better chance at success in high school and beyond.
"To keep Ontario moving forward, we need everyone to be at their best — and that includes our youngest students," said Premier Dalton McGuinty. "That means we must make sure they have all the help they need to reach their full potential."
"We're committed to making publicly funded education the very best education," said Education Minister Kathleen Wynne. "That's why we're funding more library staff and investing in new books and computers — so our students have the tools they need to succeed."
A majority of students in Grades 3 and 6 are scoring 10 per cent higher in reading, writing and math tests. Since 2004, more than a million new textbooks have been added to Ontario's schools.
