1. Learning Environment
Assessment:
On the Path to Success!
Jennifer Gladkowski
Maegen Rose
LIS 773: School Libraries
Assessment of School Library Program
2. Donald L. Morrill Math &
Science Specialty School
Donald L. Morrill School is a Chicago public elementary school located on the
Southwest side of the city. It has a population of 850 students. 55% of the
student population is Latino, and 45% is African American. 20% of the
student population have special needs. The school has been on academic
probation for the past 12 years, but the 2011-2012 school year saw improved
ISAT scores. http://morrillcps.org/
3. Learning Environment #1
"The school library encompasses both physical and virtual
spaces that provide flexible, equitable, and efficient access to
resources for all learners." (Linking for Learning, p. 32)
~ Historically, the school librarian did not create a space
aimed at ensuring learners of all levels could access physical
or virtual resources.
~ There is little evidence of a virtual space beyond the
availability of a few computers and other equipment in the
library.
~ Given the seriously outdated nature of materials found
throughout the library, the collection had not been weeded in
over a decade, nor did it represent the growing needs of the
school population.
5. Learning Environment #1 (cont.)
~ It is unclear what library policies and procedures were in
place for collection development, circulation, technology and
overall learning.
~The ability to have a well-planned, technology rich, student-
focused library media center has always existed, but
opportunities and resources were not severely under-utilized.
Based on an in-person visit of the library and
information provided by the new school librarian, the
library program rates as Deficient in Learning
Environment #1, according to the Illinois School Library
Media Program Guidelines Rubric.
6. Learning Environment #2
"The school library consists of both physical and virtual resources that have
been selected through strategic planning, research, and evidence-based
practice." (Linking for Learning, p. 34)
Physical Resources:
~Up until now, reference collection has stagnated; most recent set of
encyclopedias is from 2004.
~Collection does not fully represent the needs of the student population - not
enough engaging nonfiction texts.
~Fiction collection is a mixed bag of outdated titles, as well as a limited amount
of newer, award-winning and commercially popular titles.
~There is a need for a graphic novel collection and wider array of young adult
titles.
~Collection has not been weeded or maintained in accordance with the
Chicago Public Schools Collection Development Policy:
http://policy.cps.k12.il.us/documents/604.7.pdf
7. Over 100 copies of the Harry
Potter series, books 1-7
It is important for school
library collections to have
popular materials
available to students.
However, those materials
should be diverse and
available in a variety of
formats.
8. Learning Environment #2 (cont.)
Virtual Resources:
~Student and teacher surveys indicate that online databases are not utilized;
most teachers were not even aware the district subscribes to these databases.
~There is available technology available in the library (SmartBoard, projector,
document camera, and desktop computers) but has not been utilized regularly
up to this point by students or previous librarian.
~There are a limited number of playaways and audio books, a greater variety of
formats is needed to provide access to text for students with special needs
(20% of student body).
~Teachers indicate a lack of collaboration between themselves and the
librarian about digital resources available to the school community.
Based on the evidence, the library program rates Deficient in Learning
Environment #2, according to the Illinois School Library Media Program
Guidelines Rubric.
9. A well-organized space is key to a library's usability. The
space should be both functional and practical, striking a
delicate balance between physical resources and virtual
exploration. This library has great room for improvement.
10. Learning Environment #3
"The school library media program receives adequate annual funding from the
appropriate local authority to achieve program goals." (Linking for Learning, p.
36)
~Previous administration prepared the budget with little to no input from
librarian.
~Funds were not well maintained previously, as evidenced by large quantities
of single titles, brand-new unshelved books, and unopened Leap Pad devices.
~Lack of evidence of advocacy for funding, as outdated reference and
nonfiction collection demonstrates.
~Previous administration failed to encourage previous librarian to utilize
available technology.
~Current administration has pushed the use of tablets and ereaders, and has
purchased these devices to ensure their use.
~No grants were applied for within the last 10 years.
~Current administration has provided a sizable budget to develop the physical
& virtual collection.
Based on the evidence, the library program rates as Basic in Learning
Environment #3, according to the Illinois School Library Media Program
Guidelines Rubric.
11. Learning Environment #4
The school library media program respects the principles of
professional ethics, intellectual freedom, and the ethical and
responsible use of information. (Linking for Learning, p. 38)
~ The new school librarian could not identify any prior models or
efforts to teach the school community about ethical and responsible
use of information.
~ Historically, there has been little, if any collaboration between the
school librarian and the teachers.
~ No policies on internet safety, acceptable use or challenged
books were found.
The library program rates as Deficient in Learning
Environment #4, according to the Illinois School Library Media
Program Guidelines Rubric.
12. The Future of the Library Program
Next Steps:
Despite this assessment, the current administration, after one year on the job,
is making a concerted effort to transform this library program into one that is
viable and provides engaging, high-quality resources to its students. By
replacing the previous librarian with a new one who is currently pursuing an
MLIS, it is likely students will be empowered to become "well-informed learners
and decision makers." The addition of current technology, formats, and
relevant collection materials all seek to ensure that students will graduate from
8th grade well-equipped and prepared to succeed in high school.
13. Library Program Goals
~Provide professional development for teachers on how to use the online
catalog and databases
~Instruct all students how to use the online research tools ethically
~Create a functional school library website and blog
~Purchase new and relevant materials, including fiction & nonfiction titles,
magazines, database subscriptions, and ebooks for use on 35 Nooks and 6
iPads
~Subscribe to professional library journals
~Continue to weed the collection monthly to make room for new materials
~Empower students and staff to utilize all available technology resources
~Collaborate with classroom teachers to ensure library instruction supports
classroom instruction as well as the Common Core State Standards
14. References
Chicago Public Schools Department of Library
and Information Services. http://cpslibraries.
wikispaces.com/.
Donald L. Morrill Math & Science Specialty
School. http://morrillcps.org/.
Illinois School Library Media Association.
(2010). Linking for Learning. 3rd edition.
Canton, IL: ISLMA.
