Linking Media Specialists with our Student’s Achievement

Heidi PackerRabiah Morning-Parker

Letitia Goodman6466, Spring 2011

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Studies done all across the county have shown that

media specialists are linked to higher tests scores and improved

student achievement. (Library Research Service, 2010)

Did You Know ??

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The New York Library Association’s Findings

Certified librarians provide students with materials that provide a diverse

point of view and support the curriculum.

(Library Research Services, 2003)

NY Findings, cont.

State schools with certified librarians produce higher English Language Arts (ELA) test scores than schools without librarians

Even in low needs schools, the test score difference was still an average of over 2 points(Library Research Services, 2003)

How do media specialists impact student achievement?

Collaboration- Media specialists and teachers collaborate regularly planning lessons that connect the media center and the classroom.

Leadership- Media specialists meet regularly with principals and administrators regarding curriculum and standards.(Lance,2000) (Library Research Service, 2010)

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More ways Media Specialists impact student achievement…

Technology- Media programs with networked computers and licensed database resources

Flexible Scheduling- classes visit the media center as the lessons are taught

Adequate Funding- for staff, materials and online resources

(Lance, 2000) (Library Research Service, 2010)

Factors that impact student achievement…

According to a study done in North Carolina, scores on standardized reading, and English tests in the schools

included in this study tended to increase when libraries are

in the schools.(Library Research Service, 2003)

Higher Test Scores and Media Specialists – The Connection

Library Media Specialists serve as a link between the

curriculum to be taught and the attained knowledge of

that curriculum. When this is achieved, the result is

success on standardized testing.

Factors, cont.

o When media specialists are staffed in school libraries

o Are open more hours during the school week for student access

o Had newer books on the shelves

(Lance, 2010)

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…More Factorso When more money per 100 students

on books and other print materials like magazines and newspapers was spent

o When more money per 100 students on electronic access to information (e.g., online database searching, Internet access) was spent

o When the media program subscribed to online periodical services

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DEFINITION

Collaboration

A mutual effort based on shared goals, a shared vision, and a climate of trust and respect (Muronago & Harada, 1999).

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What attributes to Successful Collaboration?

Librarians with flexible schedules are able to devote more time to planning and working with teachers

Flexible schedules allow librarians to develop four times as many integrated units than ones on fixed schedules (Tallman & van Deusen, 1994).

Successful Collaboration, cont.

Scheduling common planning time for teachers and media specialists promotes collaboration.

The greatest and most successful amount of collaboration occurs when team planning is encouraged by the principal (Tallman & van Deusen, 1994).

Interpersonal Factors

Successful collaboration involves changing the attitudes toward the librarian’s role

Teachers and Administrators should be able to link the media center program with student achievement

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Interpersonal Factors, cont.

Teachers may need help adjusting to and embracing collaboration

Media Specialists can act as a change agent to make collaboration more successful

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What the teacher brings…

Knowledge of student strengths, weaknesses, and interests

Content that is to be taught

Differential learning

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What the Media Specialist Brings…

A thorough understanding of information literary skills

A thorough understanding of research skills

Methods to integrate them

Knowledge that helps develop resource-based units

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Commitment

Media Specialists, Teachers, and Administrators must all believe in the media program as a whole

All stakeholders must believe that the program can work and effectively service the students

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Linking the Media Center and Home

The school library media specialist is able to reach more

students, who may not have access to computers, and home libraries when they are supply rotating class collections for students and teachers to use

away from the school.

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Linking the Media Center and Home, cont…

When families can access the media center remotely, through

data bases, and electronic online resources where

computers are linked to the internet. This increases usage

for families and provides scheduling flexibility for parents

and students.

Seeing the Connection

“As we search for ways to improve the academic achievement of our

nation’schildren, we must understand the

fundamental contribution school libraries make

to student learning outcomes,” said Dr. Beth Fitzsimmons, NCLIS

Chairman. (Fitzsimmons, 2007)

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REFERENCES

ALA, & AEC&T, . (1998). Information power: building partnerships for learning. Chicago & London: American Library Association.

Borges, M. (2008). Syracuse researchers link higher test scores with certified librarians in schools . Retrieved from Retrieved from http://www.nyla.org/index.

Fitzsimmons, B. (2007, June). School libraries work. Retrieved from http://www.nyla.org/index.php?page_id=1259

Lance, K. (2010, November 23). Increased library staff linked to higher scores. Retrieved from http://www.lrs.org/documents/fastfacts/287_CO3_Staffing_Test_Scores.pdf

REFERENCES

Lance, K. (2010, November 23). How school librarians help kids achieve standards. Retrieved from http://www.lrs.org/documents/lmcstudies/CO/CO2brochure.pdf

Library Research Service, (2011). School libraries impact study. Retrieved from http://www.lrs.org/impact.php#other_studies

Muronago, K., & Harada, V. (1999, October). Building teaching partnerships: the art of collaboration. Teacher Librarian, 9-14.

Russell, Shayne. Teachers and Librarians: Collaborative Relationships. Retrieved from http://www.libraryinstruction.com/teachers.html

Scholastic Research & Results, (2008). School libraries work. Retrieved from http://www2.scholastic.com/content/collateral_resources/pdf/s/slw3_2008.pdf

REFERENCES

Small, R. (2008, January 1). School libraries work. Retrieved from http://www.nyla.org/content/user_1/Preliminary_Report_Small.pdf

Tallman, J.I. & van Deusen, J.D. (1994). Collaborative Unit Planning: Schedule, Time, and Participants. School Library Media Quarterly, 23.