Technology Program Administrator

South Effingham High School

Media Center

Sherri Turner

Spring 2015

Executive Summary

The activities and actions of the media center personnel demonstrate they have either met or

exceeded in their goals. The SEHS Media Center exceeds their stated mission. They continually

provide services and an environment to support effective teaching. They promote successful

learning with many of the initiatives and activities. The level of productivity at SEHS is

enhanced by the presence of the media center and its staff. The SEHS Media Center is doing an

excellent job in providing for the education of the students on site.

Based on my observations I offer the following recommendations: The Book Club could help

create the QR codes using the media center’s computer lab. Inclusion of these students would

speed up the process of creating the QR Codes for books. I also recommend having the Book

Club adhere the QR Codes on the spine of the books. A video club could be sponsored to be in

charge of videotaping events for the school and setting up equipment for meetings before,

during, and after school. Events filmed could consist of sports events, awards ceremonies, club

meetings, band practice, Drama Club plays, Chorus performances, Beta Club meetings, Talent

Show, Fashion Show, and so forth. The members of a video club could not only record events,

but also be in charge of editing footage. Their videos could be shown at lunch through HaiVision

or shared on the website for viewing.

Organizational Chart

This information was derived from observations, interviews, and discussions with the Media

Specialists at South Effingham High School (SEHS). It was also obtained from the “Media

Center” link on the SEHS website (www.effinghamschools.com). The media center at SEHS has

3 full time personnel (2 media specialists, 1 media clerk). The full job descriptions are in the

appendix.

Methods

This report is the result of observations, interviews and discussions with the Media Specialists at

South Effingham High School. Mrs. Becky Alford was interviewed for this purpose. The initial

interview questions are in the appendix. The questions were intended as a starting point and may

not contain all of the information exchanged during the interview. Multiple conversations were

conducted during and after the face to face interview. Additional information was gained from

the school website. Multiple examples of items developed by the media specialists are in the

appendix. These items are examples of activities and actions used in the media center.

Center Context and Goals

History

Effingham County divided its high school in 1996 which resulted in the construction of South

Effingham High School. The media center at the school was opened at the same time. The

current enrollment is 1481. The school serves 9th

through 12th

grade and also has a unique aspect

of housing Pre-K students.

Mission Statement:

The mission statement is contained in the media center handbook. Based on discussions during

the interview the statement is current. The mission of the South Effingham High School Media

Program is to support effective teaching, to promote successful learning, and to encourage

productivity. The stakeholders in the media center are the students, staff, faculty and community.

Goals:

The media center goals are described in the media center’s handbook found on the school

website. The goals state the media center will support and enhance the educational process by:

• Providing an open, accessible, and user-friendly library with flexible scheduling to meet the

needs of students and teachers.

• Seeking input from the school’s media committee to ensure a broad perspective on decisions

that affect students and teachers use of the media program.

• Working collaboratively with teachers to ensure meaningful, relevant learning activities that

support and enhance the curriculum.

• Providing up-to-date print and non-print resources and technology necessary and desirable

for student achievement.

• Helping students become discriminating users and creators of information through instruction

and hands-on curriculum-related activities.

• Stimulating interest in reading for pleasure as well as for academic achievement.

• Effectively managing people, funds, and equipment to better serve the learning community.

Media Center Activities

The SEHS Media Center operates continuously daily. They are ready to serve prior to starting

school, during school and after school. The only time the media center is not open is during

specialized testing (AP, SAT, ACT, etc). The SEHS Media Center has an extensive website (on

school site) that is informative and thorough. It includes helpful links and resources to assist

students. The media center has chess sets, jig saw puzzles as well as a reading lounge. The media

center provides the typical functions such as assisting students with checking out books, assisting

with research, and assisting with projects. This assistance is provided regardless if the student is

working on the project at school or at home. There is a strong indication of school spirit within

the media center. The spirit can be seen in the actions of the employees and the décor of the

media center. The use of equipment is monitored by having a sign in/out sheet. Literacy is

promoted with a book display at the front of the media center. The media specialists serve as

school photographers and videographers for various activities. There are 2 computer labs and 10

satellite labs operated by the media center. Students are involved in the book selection process

for the media center. Other activities provided by the SEHS Media Center are as follows:

1. Promote reading and writing @ SEHS – A Georgia pre-K reading week is sponsored by

inviting local community leaders to read to PreK students housed at SEHS. A public

library promotion week is sponsored for students to sign up for a public library card. The

sign up program is at SEHS. The media center invites authors to SEHS to read to Pre-K

students and to discuss writing with SEHS students.

2. Operates a school store – There is a school store operated in the SEHS Media Center. The

store has school related supplies for purchase by students (or staff if needed).

3. Serve Special Ed students – The media center operates a 6th

period daily for Special Ed

students. Having access to technology daily enriches and remediates for these students.

The class is held at SEHS.

4. Conduct Media Center orientation – A student orientation is held annually to familiarize

students with the media center operation. Student access codes are issued during the

orientation.

5. Teacher Assistance – Training for teachers and staff is provided at SEHS on an as needed

basis. The media center conducts a Teachers R Reading program. This program shows

students what their teachers are reading (or their favorite books) to promote interest

within the student body. The media center collaborates with teachers to assist with

teaching requested topics. The areas could relate to larger projects of study or research

teachers are conducting.

6. Sponsorship – The media center sponsors several focused events throughout the year.

Multiple disciplines of the Arts are promoted at SEHS. The week long events are

promoted to enrich and expand the learning environment for students. The promoted or

sponsored events are media festival, museum, cultural, musician tribute, children’s book,

school book club and the high school talent show. Prior to these events the media

specialists collaborate with the Spanish, French, Art, and Graphic Design teachers. The

children’s book week is beneficial to the PreK students housed at SEHS.

7. Fundraisers – There are multiple fundraisers carried out by the media center. The

fundraisers support the book club and other SEHS Media Center programs. The current

fundraisers at SEHS are popcorn Fridays, Boo Grams, the student talent show and the

fund your media dreams. All students benefit from the funds raised since they enhance

the centers ability to serve.

8. Book Review & Trivia Questions – To promote student involvement and the learning

process the media center sponsors the Gold Star Jar. The Gold Star Jar is an opportunity

for students to enter weekly drawings for a $5.00 dollar gift certificate to the Stang Zone.

All students are eligible to participate and win the Gold Star award. This includes the

PreK students. Students may enter the Gold Star Jar by submitting book reviews or

answering trivia questions.

9. Innovation in technology – The media center is currently establishing a digital library

using Kindles. Providing a digital reading source would allow readers who prefer digital

print the option of using Kindles. The media center is also adding the use of QR (Quick

Response) codes for books. QR codes allow students to use their smart phones or tablets

to read book reviews prior to checking it out.

Evaluation

The SEHS Media Center serves many individuals from a broad range of backgrounds. SEHS is a

unique high school that includes the typical 9th

-12th

students, teachers and administrators and

also houses a working Pre-K classroom. The Pre-K program is part of the learning experience for

those students enrolled in certain courses related to childcare careers. The media center provides

full library resources for all students at SEHS, including the Pre-K students.

The staff at the SEHS Media Center is two Media Specialists and one Media Clerk. The

individuals in these positions are sufficiently trained and qualified to perform the required tasks

of their position. The media center staff is considered complete at this time. There are no open

positions related to the media center.

The media center enhances the educational process routinely through its actions. The media

center has chess sets, jig saw puzzles and a casual reading lounge setup. The media center

provides typical functions such as assisting students with checking out books, assisting with

research, and projects. There is a strong indication of school spirit displayed within the media

center. The spirit can be seen in the actions of the employees and the décor of the media center.

The media center is operated continuously to meet the needs of the students and teachers. It is

open before, during and after school for convenience. Students take part in book selections for

the media center through their submission of new book preferences. The media center also has

magazines that are available for checkout. Advances in technology provide students with the

convenience of QR codes for their smart phones/tablets. The QR codes allow students to see

book reviews. The media specialists are also working to establish a digital reading section on

Kindles. Student orientation is provided annually to familiarize the media center operation. A 6th

period session is provided daily for Special Ed students. The media specialists collaborate with

SEHS teachers to assist with projects and other classroom directed activities. The media center

also provides training to SEHS personnel as necessary.

The media center sponsors several Liberal Art disciplines throughout the year. The events allow

students to show their skills and interpretation through hands on initiatives. The disciplines

covered are media festival, museum week, cultural, musician tribute, children’s books, and the

school talent show. Prior to these events the media specialists collaborate with the Spanish,

French, Art, and Graphic Design teachers. The media center also promotes a children’s book

week. The media center promotes several fundraising events. The fundraising benefits the

students by providing enhanced equipment and supplies.

There are many activities provided by the media center to make reading pleasurable for students.

The center sponsors both a reading and a writing week to increase interest in both topics. There

is a Georgia Pre-K reading week, a library week and visiting authors. All students can enter the

library book review or trivia question contest to win weekly drawings. Book displays are used to

promote reading and literacy. The Teachers R Reading program promotes reading by showing

students what teachers are reading.

The equipment in the media center is monitored continuously by providing a sign in/out sheet.

The media specialists function as school photographers and videographers. They provide,

maintain and service 2 computer labs and 10 satellite labs. There is an extensive website that

provides helpful links and information for students and parents. The media center operates a

store that supplies school related items.

The school’s media committee is continually consulted on improvements and suggestions for the

media center. It was a suggestion from the committee to promote services for the Pre-K students

at SEHS. The committee also assisted with the establishment of the sign up program for public

library cards.

The activities and actions of the media center personnel demonstrate they have either met or

exceeded in their goals. The SEHS Media Center exceeds their stated mission. They continually

provide services and an environment to support effective teaching. They promote successful

learning with many of the initiatives and activities. The level of productivity at SEHS is

enhanced by the presence of the media center and its staff. The SEHS Media Center is doing an

excellent job in providing for the education of the students on site.

Based on my observations I offer the following recommendations: The Book Club could help

create the QR codes using the media center’s computer lab. Inclusion of these students would

speed up the process of creating the QR Codes for books. I also recommend having the Book

Club adhere the QR Codes on the spine of the books. A video club could be sponsored to be in

charge of videotaping events for the school and setting up equipment for meetings before,

during, and after school. Events filmed could consist of sports events, awards ceremonies, club

meetings, band practice, Drama Club plays, Chorus performances, Beta Club meetings, Talent

Show, Fashion Show, and so forth. The members of a video club could not only record events,

but also be in charge of editing footage. Their videos could be shown at lunch through HaiVision

or shared on the website for viewing.

Attachment

Job Description for Media Specialist and support personnel

The School Media Specialist

Provides instructional leadership in the use of information resources and literature.

• Plans collaboratively with teachers to integrate literature, resources and information literacy

skills into the curriculum.

• Develops and provides instructional opportunities with information technologies for staff and

students.

• Provides information about and complies with copyright laws.

• Collaborates with teachers and students on material production.

• Develops, administers, and manages programs and facilities for the use of information

resources and technologies.

Develops, administers, and manages programs and facilities for the use of information resources

and technologies.

• Develops, evaluates, and revises policies and procedures, and services of the program/center.

• Provides leadership in collaborative planning for school technology, resources, and needs.

• Administers and maintains a center and a program that fosters a positive learning environment.

• Ensures effective organization of center and resources.

• Selects and orders resources consistent with system policies and with school curriculum needs.

• Provides supervision and leadership for staff including clerical, paraprofessional and technical.

Media Support Personnel

In the school library media program, support personnel (i.e. clerks, aides, paraprofessionals or

secretaries) assume responsibilities designated by the media specialists which assure smooth

library media center operations and services while enabling the library media specialist to devote

more time to professional service activities such as planning with teachers for maximum

utilization of resources in instruction or incorporating information skill instruction into course

content. In this role, the library media support person:

• assumes responsibility for operation of the library media center and supervision of activities in

the approved absence of the library media specialist; operates and maintains media-related

equipment;

• assists in training volunteers;

• assisting in producing materials;

• assists students and staff in utilizing and operating equipment;

• supervises small groups of students in retrieving materials, finding information or other

activities;

• repairs print and non-print materials;

• processes materials according to established procedures;

• explains location and arrangement of resources to students and staff;

• assists students and staff in use of the catalog to the center's resources;

• prepares reports as directed;

• assists students and staff in assembling resources for classroom use;

• assists in borrowing materials from other collections;

• prepares displays and bibliographies from preselected items;

• types and processes library media center correspondence, reports, orders, and records into the

automation system;

• operates the circulation system and compiles circulation records;

• assists in inventorying materials and equipment;

• assists in all phases of materials processing;

• reshelves and maintains correct order of returned materials;

• prepares current periodicals for shelving and maintains collection of backdated issues;

• assists in maintaining an orderly, neat, and attractive atmosphere in the media center.

Attachment

Interview Questions:

1. What is your title?

2. What are your job responsibilities?

3. What are the job titles and brief descriptions of key personnel who staff the center?

4. What is the mission of the center?

5. What are the goals of the center?

6. Who are the stakeholders?

7. What activities or programs are carried out by the center?

8. What technology equipment is available for teachers?

9. What technology equipment is available for students?

10. What Web tools and Applications do you promote and offer?

11. What additional resources do you provide for students and faculty?

12. What digital rules and procedures do you promote?

13. In your opinion, does the media center effectively serve as the technology center?

Observation Checklist: Items to be Observed

1. Evidence of Literacy Promotion

2. Evidence of Digital Citizenship Promotion

3. Evidence of Copy Right Laws Promotion

4. Evidence of Technology Student Usage

5. Evidence of Equipment Monitoring and Usage

6. Evidence of Computer Lab Usage

7. Evidence of Website Monitoring

8. Evidence of Technology Updating and Repairing

9. Evidence of Updated Resources

10. Evidence of Instructional Technology Information for Teachers

Screen shot of media center’s home page on the SEHS website.

South Effingham High School Media Center Mission Statement The mission of the South Effingham High School Media Program is to support effective teaching, to promote successful learning, and to encourage productivity. Vision Statement We believe, and research suggests, that an exemplary library program promotes student achievement and encourages lifelong learning. An exemplary program includes a quality collection of print and non-print resources, ample computer hardware and software, flexible scheduling, and highly qualified media professionals to assist students and teachers. Flexible scheduling and collaborative planning are essential to ensuring curriculum-based, “need to know” learning opportunities as proposed in Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning. We envision accelerated use of library resources and services as our school strives to meet and exceed state and federal standards for student achievement; and, we pledge to ensure that every student has positive experiences in the library. Goals The media center will support and enhance the educational process by:

Providing an open, accessible, and user-friendly library with flexible scheduling to meet the needs of students and teachers

Seeking input from the school’s media committee to ensure a broad perspective on decisions that affect students and teachers use of the media program

Working collaboratively with teachers to ensure meaningful, relevant learning activities that support and enhance the curriculum

Providing up-to-date print and non-print resources and technology necessary and desirable for student achievement

Helping students become discriminating users and creators of information through instruction and hands-on curriculum-related activities

Stimulating interest in reading for pleasure as well as for academic achievement

Effectively managing people, funds, and equipment to better serve the learning community

Author Visit Flyer

Author Visit Flyer

Author Reflection Forms for teachers and students

Book Club Agenda

Book Club Reading List

Culture Week Forms

Student Book Review Forms – separate for fiction and nonfiction high school

Boo Gram and Magazine Review Forms

Miscellaneous Media Center Forms

Boo-gram sample from media center – notice the spirit related phrasing (Frankenstang)

One of the Chess Sets in SEHS Media Center Jigsaw Puzzle in media center

Leisure Reading Area Available Magazines for Checkout

QR Codes Computers in Media Center

Computer Lab in Media Center