Middle School library | Page 8

Those elementary schools with higher test scores averaged 22 percent of librarian hours spent delivering instruction

Comparison of means analysis found that, among elementary schools, those with higher test scores averaged 22 percent of librarian hours spent delivering library/IL instruction, compared with only 13 percent of low-achievement schools.

Reference:

Information empowered : the school librarian as an agent of academic achievement in Alaska schools

“Kids love the programs, and librarians, parents, and early-childhood educators do too”

“Kids love the programs, and librarians, parents, and early-childhood educators do too,” said [Sally] Anderson. “’What’s the Big Idea?’ helps librarians expand on the things they already do, incorporating science and math into all kinds of ongoing library programs. And the opportunity to experiment and solve problems on their own is a phenomenal self-esteem builder for kids. The activities are fun, but this is also serious stuff, and the kids understand that. They’re not only playing; they’re discovering the rewards of intellectual satisfaction.”

Reference:

What's the Big Idea? Science and Math at the Library for Preschoolers and Kindergarteners

Vermont Center for the Book has amassed an extensive, multifaceted bibliography

For each of the four topics, the Vermont Center for the Book has amassed an extensive, multifaceted bibliography of children’s picture books, a long list of related projects and activities, suggestions for independent discovery centers, and a selection of recommended resources and manipulatives.

Reference:

What's the Big Idea? Science and Math at the Library for Preschoolers and Kindergarteners

Librarians are Uniquely Qualified to Teach the Information Literacy Skills

Librarians are uniquely qualified to teach the information literacy skills that are paramount in a knowledge-based economy. As their duties expand, it is more important than ever for stakeholders to view their LMS librarians as teachers, curriculum designers, technology gurus, and school leaders.

Reference:

The Impact of Library Media Specialists on Students and How It Is Valued by Administrators and Teachers: Findings from the Latest Studies in Colorado and Idaho

Characteristics of 21st century education

The characteristics of 21st century education have been articulated by many and continue to evolve. However, in order to achieve within this developing context and beyond, it is accepted that students need: Reading literacy Information literacy Technological literacy Skills for personal knowledge building Oral literacy and numeracy Research evidence from the USA, Canada and Australia shows that where school libraries are resourced effectively and managed by a qualified librarian with educational expertise, all of the above are fostered and student academic achievement on standardized tests is higher than in schools where these conditions do not exist.

Reference:

Effective School Libraries: Evidence of Impact on Student Achievement

School Librarians Prepare Students to be 21st Century Learners

The school librarian plays an instrumental role in preparing students to be twenty-first century learners: problem solvers, critical thinkers, and effective users of information.

Reference:

Effecitve School Library Media Programs and their Impact on Student Achievement

School Librarians Weave Together Curriculum and Information Literacy Skills

By acting as a teacher, instructional partner, information specialist, and program administrator, the school librarian can weave together content curriculum and information literacy skills in ways that benefit teachers and students

Reference:

Effecitve School Library Media Programs and their Impact on Student Achievement

Libraries Impact Student Learning

… [R]esearch proves that successful, well-staffed school library programs with a focus on collaboration do have a positive impact on student learning.

Reference:

Effecitve School Library Media Programs and their Impact on Student Achievement

Best Practices Include:

Other best practices include flexible scheduling and flexible access that allows for the maximum amount of authentic learning to take place in the media center, a wide and varied collection that supports the curriculum and promotes reading, and the presence of a certified school librarian who takes on leadership roles within the school to share expertise and help students flourish.

Reference:

Effecitve School Library Media Programs and their Impact on Student Achievement

Collaborative Planning and Instruction correlated with student academic achievement

Collaborative planning and instruction accounted for 17.7 percent of the variance in principles correlated with student academic achievement. The individual principles included: collaborative planning (the single most important factor within that factor), modeling effective teaching, integration of information literacy, facilities for learning, program planning assessment of student academic achievement, administrative support, and communication about the program.

Reference:

Library media program implementation and student achievement