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Unknown The Teaching Librarian volume 13, no. 1-2 7 for School Libraries, advocacy efforts for school libraries have continued. This communication with educational stakeholders in Ontario strives to emphasize the connection between school libraries, student achievement, and life-long literacy. Recently, the OSLA has invited our new Minister of Education, Hon. Sandra Pupatello, as well as the Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat and other key stakeholders, to enter into dialogue to address the need for equity and consistency in school libraries across Ontario. We are hopeful that future discussions will be successful in emphasizing that teacher- librarians and school library programs play a vital role in supporting the Ministry's goal of student literacy development and increased student achievement. Also being advocated is the conviction that immediate changes are necessary to ensure equity and access to school libraries and quality library programs across our province. Recent Provincial Events During the past few months, school libraries have experienced a number of positive events at the provincial level. Specifically, two key initiatives have reinforced the connection between school libraries and student success. The first of these was the funding of $15,000,000 provided through the 2006 Investment in School Libraries, Kindergarten to Grade 12 grant that was facilitated by the Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat. Next, we received fantastic evidence pertaining to school libraries from the release of the School Libraries & Student Achievement in Ontario research study conducted by Queen's University and People for Education. Comments on both of these initiatives follow. 1) The Investment in School Libraries Grant Although the timelines for the implementation of this year's Ministry grant were very brief, this grant provides recognition that increased funding is required for school libraries. It is the second instance of a dedicated Ministry grant for school libraries from the Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat. While conveying gratitude for the funding, OSLA communication with the Ministry has emphasized the need for an increased time frame for implementation, and has called for additional protocol to be put in place to help ensure that the dedicated grant monies actually fund the acquisition of new resources, and that these funds are in addition to the established annual budget for each school library. Stories from members concerning the implementation of the past two Ministry grants for school libraries have provided evidence that in some instances, school libraries would benefit from additional board accountability to the Ministry. OSLA is hopeful that improvements can be made to the funding process to ensure that school board implementation remains true to the original intent of future Ministry grants. 2) The Ontario Research Study The School Libraries & Student Achievement in Ontario research study, led by Dr. Donald Klinger of Queen's University, provides the first Canadian empirical evidence of the positive relationship between school libraries, standardized test scores, and student-reported enjoyment of reading. Released on April 6th at a Toronto press conference hosted by People for Education, the findings and recommendations of this study are significant. The research study, based on an analysis of grades 3 and 6 EQAO data and information on school libraries from People for Education Tracking Reports, stresses the significant link between student achievement and school ONTARIO SCHOOL LIBRARY ASSOCIATION President's Report Michael Rosettis