Criteria for Selection

The Heart of America Foundation® selects schools for the READesign^® program through an application process. Schools are selected based on their ability to demonstrate their enthusiasm for a new library and on specific criteria, including:

• School must serve at least 65% of children from low-income families (based on Free and Reduced Meal eligibility) or be a Title I school.
• School must already have a school library or adequate space for one.
• School must establish a READesign^® Committee made up of the librarian, teachers, and students to assist with planning and implementation.
• School must demonstrate willingness and ability to sustain the refreshed school library.
• School must demonstrate ability to maintain access to the school library by all students.
• School must administer pre-makeover and post-makeover assessments.
• Pre- and post-READesign^® surveys of librarians, teachers, parents and students.
• A self-evaluation by the person(s) responsible for the school library.
• Pre- and post-makeover data on circulation and reading test scores.
• School must plan to staff the library with paid library staff.
• School must plan to include student-designed elements into their school library.
• School must promote family and teacher involvement in the project and participate in a “makeover day” Reading Celebration family literacy event.

If you would like to learn more about the pre-selection process, and would like to tell us more about your school, please contact The Heart of America Foundation® at 202-347-6278 or email us at readesign@heartofamerica.org.