The Power of the Library Media Program How much will our test scores improve with specific improvements in our SLMP? The answers will be heard today. Our library program can make a difference supporting the efforts to measure up to the standards and to increase student achievement. Janelle Brojakowski Leann Cox 2009

basic ingredients for student achievement.” First Lady Laura Bush “School libraries help teachers teach and children learn. Children and teachers need library resources-especially books-and the expertise of a SLMS to succeed. Books, information technology, and SLMS who are part of the school’s professional team are basic ingredients for student achievement.” First Lady Laura Bush Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not? Take 2 min to talk to the person next to you and then I’ll will ask for responses. Hear responses and sum up responses.

Strong School Library Media Programs Make a Difference in Academic Achievement Research shows this to be ABSOLUTELY TRUE!

Teaching students how to find information rather than memorize information was ranked of highest importance in The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) Survey. Teaching students how to find information has always been a goal of the SLMS. The role of the SLMS is diverse. He/she is a teacher, an instructional partner, an information specialist and a program administrator.

Lance Study Finding 2000: Academic Achievement was higher in Pennsylvania schools when: There was a professional library media specialist. The library media specialist collaborated with teachers to build exciting units of instruction. The library collection was part of a school-wide initiative to integrate information literacy to standards and curricula. Source: http://www. lmcsource.com/tech/power/FIFTEEN Talk a little about Keith Curry Lance’s study then read the findings. Conclude with: SLMS play an essential role in the learning community by ensuring that students and staff are efficient and effective users of ideas an information. We collaborate with teachers and administrators to prepare students for future successes.

Comparison of Top 25 Scoring Schools with Lowest 25 Scoring Staffing in Pennsylvania Professional staff hours/week 5h grade 34.31 vs. 29.36 17% difference 8th grade 38.40 vs. 37.63 2% difference 11th grade 45.06 vs. 43.25 4% difference Support staff hours/week 5th grade 25.92 vs. 12.48 108% difference 8th grade 30.30 vs. 15.80 92% difference 11th grade 49.57 vs. 19.28 157% difference Source: Source: http://www. lmcsource.com/tech/power/FIFTEEN A SLMC that is adequately staffed, resourced, and funded can lead to higher student achievement regardless of the socio-economic or educational levels of the community. This is an important fact taking into account our student population and community. Any comments or questions?

Conclusion in Pennsylvania Support staff is a key difference between strong and weak library media programs. Professionals alone cannot make a major difference because of the load of clerical and technical work. Information literacy must be an integral part of the school’s approach to both standards and curriculum. Teachers and students MUST utilize the ACCESS PA database; licensed databases; and the Internet/World Wide Web School libraries are much more than books. They are learning hubs with a full range of print and electronic resources that support student achievement. The LMC is a gathering place for people of all ages and interests to explore and debate ideas. What stands out for you up to this point. Take a few minutes to talk to the person next to you…. Share comments. Sum up comments.

The Library Media Center of Today Is an Information-Rich Environment with… Books Periodicals Multimedia Resources Databases Electronic Periodical Collections Quality Internet Sites Networked Computers Linked To Classrooms The SLMS helps students develop a love of reading, become skilled users of ideas and information, and explore the world through print and electronic media resources. SLMS are crucial to the teaching and learning process. Proper funding is essential.

Research Studies before the advent of Information Power: Guidelines for School Library Media Programs As the research is highlighted, make note of what stands out for you.

Gengler (1965) The mean score on a problem solving skills examination for a librarian-teacher instructed group was significantly higher than for a teacher instructed group. Bailey (1970) A group of disadvantaged 1st graders who participated in a library resource program showed a significant increase in total language ability and the ability to express ideas.

Hale (1970) 12th graders who were given a variety of library services and resources and the opportunity to work independently under the supervision of the LMS showed “remarkable enthusiasm” for learning. Hutchinson (1982) 10th graders given special library skills instruction had an increase in library usage regardless of their academic grade point averages. Anything that stood out in these four studies? [any discussion…sum up comments]

Research Studies after the advent of Information Power: Guidelines for School Library Media Programs Have you heard of Information Power? Can anyone elaborate for the group? [responses] Information Power builds upon a long history of guidelines published by the ALA to foster improvement in SLMP. The focus of SLMP has moved from resources to students to creating a community of lifelong learners. Students and learning remain at the core.

Kuhne (1993) School libraries need to be more integrated into the curriculum and the SLMS should play a much more distinctive teacher role. Todd (1995) Integrated information skills resulted in significantly higher test scores.

Froese (1997) Students who have the opportunity to borrow books from libraries have a considerable achievement advantage over those who cannot. McQuillan (1998) The amount and quality of students’ access to reading materials is substantively related to the amount of reading they engage in, which in turn is the most significant determinant of reading achievement. The bottom line: more reading leads to better reading achievement. Anything stand out in these four studies? [discussion] As you have seen, a substantial body of research shows positive relationship between school libraries and student achievement. These studies show that the SLMP can have a positive impact on student achievement- whether such achievement is measured in terms of reading scores, state tests, literacy, or learning.

“School library media centers can contribute to improved student achievement by providing instructional materials aligned to the curriculum; by collaborating with teachers, administrators and parents; and by extending their hours of operation beyond the school day.” Source: <www.slsa-nys.org> Any comments, thoughts, questions?

A strong Library Media Program is one… …that is adequately staffed, stocked and funded …whose staff are actively involved leaders in the school environment …whose staff have collegial and collaborative relationships with classroom teachers …that embraces networked information technology …that has administrative, board and community support …that makes a difference in student achievement and success When learners of all ages have the opportunity to read stories and explore information that matters to them, various forms of literacy can emerge. Research has shown that adequately funded SLMC have the tools to inspire literacy in learners of all ages and when the SLMC is adequately staffed by qualified LMS and paraprofessionals a positive impact on student achievement is inevitable. So where do we go from here? Allow some time for small group discussion and see if we can come up with a “plan of attack.”

Works Cited: Google.com. “School Libraries Make a Difference To Student Achievement.” March 16, 2009. http://www.lmcsource.com/tech/power/FIFTEEN Google.com. “School Libraries Make a Difference To Student Achievement.” March 13, 2009. http://www.lmcsource.com/tech/power/fiveminute Google.com. “School Libraries Make a Difference To Student Achievement.” March 16, 2009. http://www.lmcsource.com/tech/power/ONE Google.com. “School Libraries Make a Difference To Student Achievement.” March 16, 2009. http://www.lrs.org/impact Google.com. “School Libraries Make a Difference To Student Achievement.” March 13, 2009. http://www.slsa-nys.org Lance, Keith Curry, Marcia J. Rodney, and Christine Hamilton-Pennell. How School Librarians Help Kids Achieve Standards; the Second Colorado Study. San Jose, CA: Hi Willow Research & Publishing, 2000. Measuring Up to Standards; the Impact of School Library Programs & Information Literacy in Pennsylvania Schools. Harrisburg, PA: Pennsylvania Department of Education, 2000. The impact of the SLMP on academic achievement is well documented in the research literature. Well-equipped, quality school libraries that have professional staff involved in instruction contribute to the academic success of their students. Both higher order uses of technology and expenditures for library materials support student achievement. The role of the SLMS leads to greater integration of the SLMP into the larger learning community and promotes greater student achievement. Any questions or comments? Thank you!