Media specialists are highly trained
to support Common Core instructional shifts
ReflectionSometimes, teachers need a lifesaver. When they feel like they are drowning in Common Core, PARC, UDL, Salient 5, STEM and sea of other educational acronyms, they need someone to help them stay afloat and keep their head above water. For the past several years, I have been involved in the implementation of the Common Core state standards, along with UDL and other current concepts. Throughout my trainings and experiences, I have seen tremendous opportunities for the media specialist to play a prominent role as someone who can help guide teachers and assist them in making the shifts in instruction and curriculum.
Common Core places a greater emphasis on inquiry, research, disciplinary literacy and meaningful use of technology. For many content area teachers, the adjustment can be overwhelming and frustrating. To assist in the shift, I developed an advocacy plan for promoting the media specialist as an instructional partner who would help teachers and students explore the more rigorous demands of the Common Core. The multifaceted plan builds on the theme of media specialists as “lifesavers” and includes a calendar of activities in which the media specialist and other members of the Common Core Connection Committee collaborate, mentor and model with staff, students and community members. There are several reasons why I selected this artifact. I was dumbfounded when I found out that media specialists were hardly included, let alone consulted when developing and implementing the Common Core, especially at the state level. To me, it was obvious that media specialists are perfect instructional partners for designing units and lessons. It angered me that they were left out, and I felt strongly about creating a plan that would clearly demonstrate the value of media specialists. This assignment also represented a change for me as a learner. Instead of using the assignment template, I created my own format for organizing the plan. As I grew more confident as a learner in the SLM program, I took more risks in how I completed my assignments. If the format didn’t “work” for me as a learner, I changed it but made sure to include all of the objectives. When I work with students and staff, it’s critical to allow them the flexibility to make choices and decisions regarding their own learning styles. |
1.3 Instructional PartnerCandidates acknowledge the importance of participating in curriculum development, of engaging in school improvement processes, and of offering professional development to other educators as it relates to library and information use.
ARTIFACT |