AASL Standards for Initial Preparation of School Library Media Specialists:
Standard 2: Literacy and Reading: Candidates are effective teachers who demonstrate knowledge of learners and learning and who model and promote collaborative planning, instruction in multiple literacies, and inquiry-based learning, enabling members of the learning community to become effective users and creators of ideas and information. Candidates design and implement instruction that engages students' interests and develops their ability to inquire, think critically, gain and share knowledge.
2.1 Literature Candidates are familiar with a wide range of children’s, young adult, and professional literature in multiple formats and languages to support reading for information, reading for pleasure, and reading for lifelong learning.
Artifact Descriptions: SCED 518 Young Adult Literature - YA Book Presentation. This assignment was a persuasive presentation to convince administrators about the value of using the particular title in instruction.
ISTC 651 Information Literacy and Access - Visual Dictionary Evaluation and Dogo news. These artifacts were designed as informational handouts. Both reference products have been judged valid and now will need to be promoted to appropriate teachers and students to be used effectively.
EDUC 717 Children's Literature - Author Handout. The artifact describes author Sharon Flake's life and works. This is an information handout that can be made available before an author visit or when promoting books by the author.
Relevance: These artifacts provide examples of culminating works after reading reviews, keeping up with newest titles, reading award books and titles that the young students are reading, and examining titles recommended by other educators. Sources such as School Library Journal and Horn Book provide reviews for soon-to-be-published titles in print and nonprint formats. The LMS seeks information from reviews, online resources like the American Library Association, its Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), and its Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC). The LMS keeps current in all these ways to meet AALS standard 2.1 for literature.
SCED 518 Young Adult Literature - YA Book Presentation. Often the LMS becomes the source of information about titles and resources which are considered for addition to the curriculum. A presentation, such as this example artifact, can provide information about a title that is being considered or one that may be considered inappropriate. The candidate has used YALSA and book reviews in School Library Journal and Kirkus to become familiar with the literature.
ISTC 651 Information Literacy and Access - Visual Dictionary Evaluation and Dogo News Review Some school libraries are moving away from print reference resources because they are expensive, need to be updated periodically, or they do not circulate. The LMS makes a decision about acquiring particular print reference resources as well as appropriate non-print news resources. Professional literature provides insight into future formats of certain reference materials.
EDUC 717 Children's Literature - Author Handout. This handout was developed after reading a variety of Sharon Flake's works, which deal with controversial topics in a careful way. When considering the works of an author and anticipating push-back from parents or administrators, it is valuable to make available resources such as this to inform school administration or to promote to teachers and students. When familiar with the curriculum, review literature, and student interests, the LMS can be successful in supporting reading for information, pleasure, and lifelong learning.
Analysis/Reflection: The presence of a LMS in the building shows the school's commitment to literacy. The LMS is teacher, administrator of the library, information specialist, and instructional partner. But there are many other expectations.
The LMS will need to keep current through professional journals. Examples like the previously referenced YA book presentation artifact within SCED 518 informs administrators and teachers about the value of certain titles to support instruction. Library-led "Book tastings" invite educators to a quick review of what children are reading or what they can be reading. The LMS needs to stay informed about titles being considered for addition to the curriculum and newer popular titles that students may be interested in reading. The AASL standard for 2.1 for Literature is met when the LMS keeps aware of major trends in literature.
The Visual Dictionary Evaluation was created for ISTC 651 Information Literacy and Access to examine an available print reference material. When the LMS purchases nonprint products, like the news resource, Dogo News, it is important to share information with teachers so that some may also be used as resource in the classroom. Where the LMS provides up-to-date materials that support information and student lifelong learning, the AASL standard 2.1 is met.
EDUC 717 Children's Literature - Author Handout. The artifact informs about the author, Sharon Flake, and provides details about her titles. This can be used with an in-person presentation on a webcast. When addressing diverse needs and interests of all readers, I look for authors whose materials are age-appropriate, spark reader interest, and expose readers to good writing. When developing the author handout, I chose an author whose work dealing with contemporary issues might provide windows and mirrors. I hope that to continue to use professional resources to select best works which inspire and educate while telling a good story.