2016 Concern- Quality Library & Information Science Instruction

2016 Concern- Quality Library & Information Science Instruction

Concern: Instruction is a pivotal component of most librarian evaluation models. While some school librarians have served as regular classroom teachers previously, a great number have not. Those same librarians may also be isolated in their districts with only a small network of librarians and little time or opportunity to shadow other teaching librarians. A video database of high-quality lessons in action, specific to library and information science instruction in a K-12 setting, would be beneficial to improving instruction based on the Standards for the 21st Century Learner in school libraries.

Action Requested: The Tennessee Association of School Librarians requests that the AASL Board of Directors take further action to foster/support quality library and information science instruction based on the Standards for the 21st Century Learner in the K-12 setting.

Status: The Affiliate Assembly body approved this concern. It was sent to the AASL Board where it was approved and then shared with Standards and Guidelines Implementation Task Force for consideration as new standards and guidelines implementation tools are developed.

2016 Concern- Accredidation

2016 Concern- Accredidation

Concern: North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (now part of AdvancED, an international education accreditation organization, http://www.advanc-ed.org/services/accreditation) has removed the requirement for school librarians as part of their school evaluation process. Yet, their criteria for quality schools and school improvement still show the importance of the librarian. (http://www.advanc-ed.org/source/using-digital-tools-help-transform-schools). In fact, Mooresville, NC used as an example, has placed a high importance on staffing their schools with certified teacher-librarians who lead school improvement efforts, as well as technology and digital skills integration. School librarians are essential to school improvement, especially when navigating new technologies and digital literacies.

We believe that the removal of the certified school librarian requirement has allowed school districts to eliminate these important positions, thus taking away a resource that transforms schools and improves student achievement and college & career readiness.

Action Requested: We request that AASL work with AdvancED to reinstate the requirement for a certified school librarian in their evaluation criteria.

We believe the display of such a badge could encourage and promote

participation in further efforts requiring advocacy for school libraries and

librarians.

Status: The Affiliate Assembly body approved this concern. It was sent to the AASL Board.  Board voted to create K-12 Regional Accrediting Agency Task Force.

• Identify K-12 regional accrediting agencies
• Review accrediting agencies policies for mention of school libraries and school librarians
• Submit recommendations for potential follow-up to Board of Directors no later than 2017 ALA Annual