I absolutely, without a doubt, agree with these posts in that the changes that are needed in the library need to start with the librarian. It is our job to set the example and raise the bar for the expectations of our students and staff. If we start the process of change and show how important the library and what it has to offer is, others will follow. They will see the need and the benefits that arise when technology is used and incorporated into all aspects of teaching. When we begin showing the world the influence the library can have on a student's achievement, we will be taken more seriously and seen as a more vital role in our school.
I really liked the example of the classroom who didn't just write a report, instead the teachers took the kids into the 21st century and allowed them to show their creativity and knowledge by using many different technological tools. I can see kids getting much more excited about what they are learning when they get to create amazing projects like this. They will also learn a lot more, not only about the technology, but the content as well.
We have many roles to fill and one is the cheerleader for technology. We have to keep hyping it up and encouraging others to get involved. We have to not only advocate for the library itself but also for the everchanging role that it plays in education.
I feel very fortunate because my school board was faced with the issue of whether or not to rehire the librarian position or to fill it with an aide. I have the perfect opportunity to show our district how a librarian can impact student achievement.
Specifically, what from the articles helped form your opinions?
ReplyDeleteJennifer LaGarde ("Library Girl") cites Deb Logan saying that "teachers and administrators don't care how many copies of Harry Potter we have. They are not interested in whether or not our security gates work or the average age of our 398s. They want to know how we can help improve our students' reading scores." This is so true. Yes, we have to compile reports for the district, but as a teacher, I had no idea of what exactly was in the library. What is more important, how can the librarian assist the teachers in increasing test scores. Librarians are sometimes overlooked as far as their role. It is important for us to show the world the importance of our profession on the education of students.
ReplyDeleteBuffy Hamilton also makes the following statement: "...it suddenly became crystal clear to me that for school libraries to truly represent the qualities we value about 21st century learning, we must be willing to let go of the traditional model of school librarianship and grasp one that is bolder in scope and practice." We have to let go of what the library has always been and take it into the 21st century to meet the needs of the students that we are working with. Without having a technology/computer lab teacher to assist in teaching students about technology, it will be part of my job to teach them, as well as the teachers, how to use a variety of resources that they may not otherwise be familiar with.