Module 12: Leading the way to the future: new perspectives and advocacy for teacher-librarians
Learning Curation Prompt:
After watching the video and reading the article (see below), think about how some of the ideas throughout the modules can be linked. Create a checklist for yourself of the key issues for advocacy that you would address in some way.
Video: Dr. Stephen Krashen defends libraries at LAUSD Board Meeting:
The big question that comes out of watching the video and reading the article is that with all the research and evidence supporting school libraries and Teacher-Librarians, why are libraries, Teacher-Librarians and library programs being cut or extremely underfunded? Why are we not investing in libraries when there is valid evidence proving that student's reading scores improve when they have access to libraries and Teacher-Librarians. As Dr. Stephen Krashen stated in the video, "the better the school library, the higher the reading scores."
This brings forth advocacy. We need to advocate for our school libraries. Just as we learned in Module 2: School Libraries as a place of Literature and Learning, we need to make sure everyone knows that the "library is the hub of the school." The library should be the most important place in the school, it's the place to be. Furthermore, in other modules we focused on how Teacher-Librarians can foster a love of reading or instill "life-long reading habits." Also, Teacher-Librarians can collaborate with classroom teachers to provide learning experiences that promote a deeper understanding of literacy and Teacher-Librarians can be educational leaders within their schools. These are some of the key ideas from the modules that can be linked to the video and the article and advocating for schools.
The key issues for advocacy that I would address in some way would include the idea from Oberg's article that a school library should be well-staffed, well-stocked, and well-used. For this we need full-time librarians in every school, funding for new books and technology and of course libraries that are used by the entire school community.
How I would advocate for my school library:
- encourage collaboration with classroom teachers.
- share ideas and resources.
- create a Personal Learning Network (PLN) to continue learning about new teaching strategies, Web 2.0 tools, books, resources, etc.
- add library information to the monthly school newsletter to inform everyone of what is happening in the library.
- make the library into a learning commons where everyone is welcomed.
- create opportunities for members of the school community to come to the library (ex: Makerspaces, book clubs, author visits, meetings, research projects).
- create visually appealing book displays (change displays often to introduce a new author, genre or theme).
- make the library a place that is welcoming, comfortable, helpful, encouraging, and fun.
This list could go on and on and on, but these are some of the key issues that I would address in my own school library.
References:
Krashen, S. (2014, February 16). Dr. Stephen Krashen defends libraries at LAUSD board meeting. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAui0OGfHQY
Oberg, D. (2014). Ignoring the evidence: Another decade of decline for school libraries. Education Canada, 54(3). Retrieved from: http://www.cea-ace.ca/education-canada/article/ignoring-evidence-another-decade-decline-school-libraries
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