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

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Overview Why this research? What gap? Review of the literature Closing the gap November 5, 20102 of 36NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

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Why this research? November 5, 20103 of 36NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

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What Gap? The difference between what research states as best practices for school library programs and what actually occurs in the field November 5, 20104 of 36NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

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Important Research Studies Keith Curry Lances impact studies School libraries do have a positive impact on student achievement Replicated in numerous states November 5, 20105 of 36NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

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Important Research Studies Stephen Krashens 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. November 5, 20106 of 36NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

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Best Practices Adequate staffing Large and varied collection Flexible access/flexible schedule Collaboration Leadership Advocacy Communication with the principal November 5, 20107 of 36NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

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Support from Principal the principal is the key factor in developing an effective and integrated school library program. Ken Haycock November 5, 20108 of 36NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

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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). November 5, 20109 of 36NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

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Why the gap? 1. Perceptions from previous school experiences 2. Lack of education in principal training programs 3. Isolation of school librarians 4. Lack of communication between school librarian and principal (Hartzell, 1997; Hartzell, 2002; Roberson, Applin and Schweinle, 2005) 5. Systemic problem, systemic solutions - lack of strategic alignment between school and library goals (Chow, Mui, & Gavin, 2008) November 5, 201010 of 36NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

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Organizational Elements Model (Kaufman, 2006) MACRO MICRO PROCESS Student achievement Student success Teachers Students Librarians Principal Library Classrooms Technology Classes Fixed Sched. Flexible Sched. AR November 5, 201011 of 36NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

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Organizational Elements Model (Kaufman, 2006) MACRO Student achievement Student success Students Teachers Administrat ion Library November 5, 201012 of 36NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference Is everyone on the same page?

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Organizational Elements Model (Kaufman, 2006) MACRO Student achievement Student success Students Teachers Library Administrat ion November 5, 201013 of 36NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference Get everyone on the same page?

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Norms of Group Development (Tuckman, 1965) 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. Source: University of Queenlsand Website November 5, 201014 of 36NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

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Closing the gap: #1 Align library goals with stakeholders November 5, 201015 of 36NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

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How do you ensure your goals are in line with your stakeholders? November 5, 201016 of 36NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

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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) Developing a strategic plan November 5, 201017 of 36NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

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Bottom line You have to STORM To NORM To PERFORM November 5, 201018 of 36NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

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Closing the gap: #2 COMMUNICATE! November 5, 201019 of 36NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

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How do you communicate with your principal? November 5, 201020 of 36NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

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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 years (or months) best practices Annual report template (Baule and Bertani, 2000; Edwards, 1989; Harvey, 2008) November 5, 201021 of 36NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

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Annual Reports - Examples Annual report template http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/ld/school- librarians/reqandsupp/anrpt/view http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/ld/school- librarians/reqandsupp/anrpt/view Other examples November 5, 201022 of 36NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

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Regular Meetings Deliver reports Maintain continuous conversation Weekly, bimonthly, or monthly Considered important by librarian and principal (Wilson and Lyders, 2001) November 5, 201023 of 36NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

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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) November 5, 201024 of 36NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

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Newsletters - Examples School Library Link http://www.theschoollibrarylink.com/ Other examples November 5, 201025 of 36NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

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Hallway Conversations Informal Information standards How library fits into instructional programs Available resources Collaboration opportunities (Harvey, 2008; Wilson and MacNeil, 1998) November 5, 201026 of 36NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

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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) November 5, 201027 of 36NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

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What to communicate to the principal? November 5, 201028 of 36NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

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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? November 5, 201029 of 36NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

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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. November 5, 201030 of 36NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

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Communication brings results! 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% -- Library Research Service, May 2005 Responses from 501 individuals in 36 states November 5, 201031 of 36NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

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Other Resources IMPACT videos http://www.ncwiseowl.org/Impact/videos.htm School Libraries Work! (Scholastic) http://listbuilder.scholastic.com/content/stores/LibraryStor e/pages/images/SLW3.pdf http://listbuilder.scholastic.com/content/stores/LibraryStor e/pages/images/SLW3.pdf Library Research Service http://www.lrs.org/impact.php November 5, 201032 of 36NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

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Principals are busy; stay on their radar! November 5, 201033 of 36NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

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Future Research Laura Bush Grant Proposal December 2011 1. Courses for pre-service administrators and teachers 2. Strategic planning and mentoring pilot 3. Statewide survey regarding current school library climates Article summarizing our findings thus far November 5, 201034 of 36NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

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Questions? November 5, 201035 of 36NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference

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Contact Anthony Chow UNCG, LIS department aschow@uncg.eduaschow@uncg.edu, School Librarian SurveySchool Librarian Survey Linda Gann UNCG, LIS department lagann@uncg.edu Kristi Allred, UNCG, LIS student; Walkertown Middle School 8 th grade ELA teacher kjallred@uncg.edu November 5, 201036 of 36NCSLMA 2010 Annual Conference