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Closing the Gap

Closing the Gap. NCSLMA November 5, 2010 Dr. Anthony Chow, UNCG Dr. Linda Gann, UNCG Kristi Allred, UNCG. Overview. Why this research? What gap? Review of the literature Closing the gap. Why this research?. What Gap?.

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Closing the Gap

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  1. Closing the Gap NCSLMA November 5, 2010 Dr. Anthony Chow, UNCG Dr. Linda Gann, UNCG Kristi Allred, UNCG

  2. Overview Why this research? What gap? Review of the literature Closing the gap NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

  3. Why this research? NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

  4. What Gap? The difference between what research states as best practices for school library programs and what actually occurs in the field NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

  5. Important Research Studies • Keith Curry Lance’s impact studies • School libraries do have a positive impact on student achievement • Replicated in numerous states NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

  6. Important Research Studies • Stephen Krashen’s The Power of Reading: Insights from the Research • Students who have access to more reading materials – particularly on subjects that interest them – are more likely to read voluntarily, read in greater volume, read more often, and score better on achievement tests. NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

  7. Best Practices • Adequate staffing • Large and varied collection • Flexible access/flexible schedule • Collaboration • Leadership • Advocacy • Communication with the principal NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

  8. Support from Principal “…the principal is the key factor in developing an effective and integrated school library program.” Ken Haycock NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

  9. The Gap Many principals believe school libraries are important but do not see the direct link between libraries and student achievement (Lau, 2002). Many principals do not make connection between educational theory and the school library (Veltze, 1992). Principals admit they need more information about school libraries in their educational leadership courses (Wilson and Blake, 1993). NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

  10. Why the gap? • Perceptions from previous school experiences • Lack of education in principal training programs • Isolation of school librarians • Lack of communication between school librarian and principal (Hartzell, 1997; Hartzell, 2002; Roberson, Applin and Schweinle, 2005) • Systemic problem, systemic solutions -lack of strategic alignment between school and library goals (Chow, Mui, & Gavin, 2008) NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

  11. Organizational Elements Model (Kaufman, 2006) MACRO MICRO • Teachers • Students • Librarians • Principal • Library • Classrooms • Technology PROCESS • Classes • Fixed Sched. • Flexible Sched. • AR Student achievement Student success NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

  12. Organizational Elements Model (Kaufman, 2006) MACRO Is everyone on the same page? Library Students Teachers Administration Student achievement Student success NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

  13. Organizational Elements Model (Kaufman, 2006) MACRO Get everyone on the same page? Students Library Administration Teachers Student achievement Student success NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

  14. Norms of Group Development (Tuckman, 1965) Source: University of Queenlsand Website Forming – Group gets to know each others’ strengths and weaknesses Storming – Conflict representing differing views and values Norming – Conflict is resolved through “norming” process of understanding how to work together. Performing – Team works together emphasizing strengths not weaknesses, similarities not differences. NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

  15. Closing the gap: #1 Align library goals with stakeholders NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

  16. How do you ensure your goals are in line with your stakeholders? NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

  17. Things you can do…. • Develop a strategic plan with a few strategic goals for the year: • Involve school stakeholders – students, administration, teachers, and parents. • Ask, “how can I help you achieve your goals? Build on existing goals students, teachers, and administrators already have. • Add some of your own! • Identify “best practices” as resources you seek • Developing a strategic plan (Lyddon, 1999) NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

  18. Bottom line You have to STORM To NORM To PERFORM NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

  19. Closing the gap: #2 COMMUNICATE! NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

  20. How do you communicate with your principal? NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

  21. Annual Reports • Librarians who submit annual reports are rated higher by their principals. • Library statistics • Budget proposals • Is the library meeting students’ and teachers’ needs? • Alignment with school goals • Highlight the year’s (or month’s) best practices • Annual report template (Baule and Bertani, 2000; Edwards, 1989; Harvey, 2008) NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

  22. Annual Reports - Examples • Annual report template • http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/ld/school-librarians/reqandsupp/anrpt/view • Other examples NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

  23. Regular Meetings • Deliver reports • Maintain continuous conversation • Weekly, bimonthly, or monthly • Considered important by librarian and principal (Wilson and Lyders, 2001) NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

  24. Newsletters • Print and electronic • Showcase people, not just statistics • Specific collaborative efforts • Pictures • Quotes from students • Encourage participation (Baule and Bertani, 2008; Harvey, 2008; McGriff et al., 2004) NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

  25. Newsletters - Examples • School Library Link • http://www.theschoollibrarylink.com/ • Other examples NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

  26. Hallway Conversations • Informal • Information standards • How library fits into instructional programs • Available resources • Collaboration opportunities (Harvey, 2008; Wilson and MacNeil, 1998) NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

  27. Invitations to the Media Center • Special events (author visits, reading promotion activities) • New technologies • Collaborative efforts • Day-to-day events • Showcase the full range of what you do in the school library (Baule and Bertani, 2000; Brisco, 2003; Harvey, 2008; Wilson and Lyders, 2001) NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

  28. What to communicate to the principal? NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

  29. What to communicate? • Common library data • Circulation statistics • Collection statistics • Patron usage statistics • Number-of-classes-in-the-library statistics • What kind of images do these numbers reinforce? NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

  30. What to communicate? • Evidence (data) that shows • The differences you and your school library make in relation to student learning outcomes • Evidence-based practice • National data and local data from your library • Key points to remember • Student achievement is the bottom line. • The school librarian is first and foremost a teacher who works with students to increase learning. • Whenever possible, use student and teacher voices. NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

  31. Communication brings results! -- Library Research Service, May 2005 Responses from 501 individuals in 36 states • When the research is shared with principals and teachers • Improved relationship with principal and teachers • 69% (principals); 66% (teachers) • More time spent by school librarian in collaborative planning and teaching • 63% • More computer access and larger collections • 48% • More classes visit their school library more frequently • 40% • Changes from fixed to flexible scheduling • 39% NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

  32. Other Resources • IMPACT videos • http://www.ncwiseowl.org/Impact/videos.htm • School Libraries Work! (Scholastic) • http://listbuilder.scholastic.com/content/stores/LibraryStore/pages/images/SLW3.pdf • Library Research Service • http://www.lrs.org/impact.php NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

  33. Principals are busy; stay on their radar! NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

  34. Future Research • Laura Bush Grant Proposal – December 2011 • Courses for pre-service administrators and teachers • Strategic planning and mentoring pilot • Statewide survey regarding current school library climates • Article summarizing our findings thus far NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

  35. Questions? NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

  36. Contact Anthony Chow – UNCG, LIS department aschow@uncg.edu, School Librarian Survey Linda Gann – UNCG, LIS department lagann@uncg.edu Kristi Allred, UNCG, LIS student; Walkertown Middle School 8th grade ELA teacher kjallred@uncg.edu NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

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