The American Association of School Librarians Standards
The American Library Association (ALA) and American Association of School Librarians (AASL) have developed five areas of standards for School Librarians. Listed below is an overview of each standard and examples of my experience that represent that standard.
Standard 1: Teaching for Learning
School Librarian are effective teachers who demonstrate knowledge of learners and learning and who model and promote collaborative planning, instruction in multiple literacies, and inquiry-based learning, enabling members of the learning community to become effective users and creators of ideas and information. School librarians design and implement instruction that engages students' interests and develops their ability to inquire, think critically, gain and share knowledge.
Examples
Teaching for Learning Connection: The curriculum chart includes all courses available at Berkeley Middle School and list the standards/learning objectives for each. The chart demonstrates my knowledge of the curriculum and ability to support instruction. The lesson plans included support my ability to collaborate, design, and implement engaging lessons that develop students abilities to inquire, think critically, gain and share knowledge.
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Standard 2: Literacy and Reading
Candidates promote reading for learning, personal growth, and enjoyment. Candidates are aware of major trends in children's and young adult literature and select reading materials in multiple formats to support reading for information, reading for pleasure, and reading for lifelong learning. Candidates use a variety of strategies to reinforce classroom reading instruction to address the diverse needs and interests of all readers.
Examples
Literacy and Reading Connection: The book trailers were created using a variety of video production software. The focus of the videos are to promote reading for pleasure and encourage students to try something new. The reading promotion displays are used to promote topics discussed in the classroom and to highlight monthly themes. The Dr. Seuss video was used on the General Stanford Elementary home page to promote the activities for Read Across America.
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Standard 3: Information and Knowledge
Candidates model and promote ethical, equitable access to and use of physical, digital, and virtual collections of resources. Candidates demonstrate knowledge of a variety of information sources and services that support the needs of the diverse learning community. Candidates demonstrate the use of a variety of research strategies to generate knowledge to improve practice.
Examples
Information and Knowledge Connection: It's important to have access to all library resources during school hours. This was a challenge since my assistant is only at my school on Mondays, Wednesdays, and every other Friday. The students come in while I am at my duty station, at lunch, or while I am teaching and are able to checkout on their own. The career pathfinder and library website showcase the different information sources and research strategies that I have used in my classroom and library.
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Standard 4: Advocacy and Leadership
Candidates advocate for dynamic school library programs and positive learning environments that focus on student learning and achievement by collaborating and connecting with teachers, administrators, librarians, and the community. Candidates are committed to continuous learning and professional growth and lead professional development activities for other educators. Candidates provide leadership by articulating ways in which school libraries contribute to student achievement.
Examples
Advocacy and Leadership Connection: One of the challenges of an elementary school librarian is collaborating with teachers. The resource team at my school has worked with me to make monthly collaboration possible by teaming up with the guidance counselor. Once a month, the students come in and check out their books and the guidance counselor instructs them for the last 30 minutes allowing me to attend grade level meetings. The ability to collaborate with my teachers has helped to align my instruction with classroom learning as well as supporting the needs of teachers and students. The monthly snapshots above include highlights from 2014-2015 in the areas of instruction, leadership, and resources for learning. These reports are shared with my principal and library supervisor. The tip sheets include an example of step by step directions for students, teachers, and parents.
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Standard 5: Program Management and Administration
Candidates plan, develop, implement, and evaluate school library programs, resources, and services in support of the mission of the library program within the school according to the ethics and principles of library science, education, management, and administration.
Examples
Program Management and Administration Connection: Managing the library program is a balance of all the standards combined to provide a 21 Century library for the community that is being served. Librarians need to evaluate the library collection, access to services, and services provided to the school and community. Working with the librarian at Berkeley Middle School, I developed a Collection Development Manual for the school based on the goals, mission, and guidelines set within Williamsburg-James City County Schools. As a librarian at General Stanford Elementary School, I have analyzed SOL scores and compared them to the collection to align my order with the needs of the school. I have prepared a substitute manual, volunteer manual, and student record manuals so that the library can run smoothly in my absence.
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