New York, NY (December 6, 2004) -- Scholastic Library Publishing, a leading publisher of children's print, non-fiction and online reference material for use in schools and public libraries, was recognized by the California School Library Association (CSLA), for its advocacy role in helping architect the state's Standards and Guidelines for Strong School Libraries publication. Greg Worrell, President of the division accepted the honor on behalf of the company in the ceremony, which took place on Friday, November 19th during the CSLA national convention in Sacramento, California.
 
CSLA's Standards and Guidelines for Strong School Libraries provides for the first time, both quantitative and qualitative standards for school libraries. Based on national standards and best practices, the document establishes a floor for minimum resources and instruction for school libraries as well as successive levels of effectiveness measurement. The report points the way for California school libraries to contribute to student achievement, helping prepare students for college, the workplace and lifelong learning.
 
“We know the important role school libraries play as a critical resource for improving academic achievement whether it is measured in terms of standardized test scores, literacy or learning more generally,” said Greg Worrell, President of Scholastic Library Publishing, a division of Scholastic, the global children's publishing and media company. “Scholastic Library Publishing is a deep believer in and supporter of the California School Library Association's Standards and Guidelines for Strong School Libraries, and will continue our advocacy work informing decision-makers at the state and federal level and encouraging for their support of school libraries. ”
 
“Scholastic Library Publishing is to be applauded for its critical role in supporting the important California School Library Association's Standards and Guidelines for Strong School Libraries publication,” said Jo Ellen Priest Misakian, Chair of the CSLA Standards Task Force. “The Guidelines will have a far-reaching impact on educators and administrators nationwide, and have the potential to positively impact millions of young children throughout the state of California.”
 
The California School Library Association (CSLA) is an organization of library media teachers, classroom teachers, paraprofessionals, district and county coordinators of curriculum, media and technology, and others committed to enriching student learning by building a better future for school libraries. The Association encourages professional growth, provides avenues for sharing common concerns, represents the interests of school libraries to the Legislature and the California Department of Education, and enables members to serve the educational needs of the multiculturally diverse students of California.
 
About Scholastic Library Publishing
Scholastic Library Publishing creates a multitude of products, both in print and online, for the school and public library market under the imprints of Grolier®, Children's Press®, Franklin Watts®, and Grolier Online^TM. Children's Press offers primarily non-fiction series for elementary and middle schools, while Franklin Watts focuses on non-fiction for the high school market. Grolier publishes encyclopedias and is best known for the brands Encyclopedia Americana and The New Book of Knowledge. Grolier Online is a self-contained, non-commercial electronic gateway offering thousands of resources for student research, including the Encyclopedia Americana Online, The New Book of Knowledge Online and the Spanish language encyclopedia Cumbre en linea™ - serving more than 18 million students and teachers.
 
About Scholastic
Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books and a leader in educational technology. Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, including children's books, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, film, videos and toys. The Company distributes its products and services through a variety of channels, including proprietary school-based book clubs, school-based book fairs, and school-based and direct-to-home continuity programs; retail stores, schools, libraries and television networks; and the Company's Internet site, www.scholastic.com.

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