Memorandum

To:

Principal and Media Committee

From:

Dixie Shoemaker and [Site Media Specialist]

Date:

4/18/2015

Re:

Evaluation of School Media Program

Summary of Results
Together, the media specialist and I evaluated the current media program using the GA DOE Library Media
Program Evaluation Rubric. Below you will find a brief summary of the results of the evaluation, in 5 categories,
with ratings of basic, proficient, or exemplary. The summary is followed by suggested plans for improving specific
areas. Attached to the memo is the actual rubric used to assess the program.
The rubric gave a great picture of the strengths and weaknesses of the library program as it currently
operates. Overall, the library is functioning at a strongly proficient level. Using this rubrics results, and following a
guided action plan, the library media program can do nothing but get better and be even more prepared for
supporting 21st Century learners.

Student Achievement and Instruction: Program received ratings of proficient or exemplary in most
indicators. It did receive a rating of only basic in two indicators, however, and both were related to
instruction and assessment that included a collaborative effort between the media specialist and the
teachers. The media specialist noted here that while she strived to invite teachers to collaborate with her
in instructional activities, such opportunities do not present themselves as often as she would like due to
the feeling of overload and pressure of everyday work the teachers are responsible for.

Technology: Proficient or exemplary in all areas; the media center and school is well equipped with
technology and resources

Staffing: Exemplary; full time media specialist and full time assistant, exceeding state standards

Facilities, Access, and Resources: Exemplary and proficient; The school library has a variety of
resources both in house and virtually, is open all school day, and has streaming available throughout the
building.

Administrative Support: Proficient, some exemplary; collaborative efforts across media centers and
district, media committee in place and guiding school and district handbook. Budget meets state
requirements with boost from book fair and Title I funds.

Staff Development: Proficient; media specialist and support staff have the opportunity to, and attend,
staff development activities that improve their knowledge and offer collaborative opportunities

April 18, 2015

Areas for Improvement and Plan of Action

Student Achievement and Instruction
Indicator: Information literacy standards are regularly integrated into content instruction
Action Steps for improvement:

Increase collaborative efforts and instruction between media specialist and teachers, where content and
information literacy skills are taught in conjunction, guided by a combination of AASL standards and
common core standards.

Teachers and media specialist should work together to plan and deliver instructional units

Indicator: Media specialist assess student learning

Action Steps for improvement

Teachers and media specialist should work together to develop a rubric or other assessment tool that
addresses a unit of study that was collaboratively taught

Media specialist should also help administer and evaluate the assessments given in collaborative units

Suggestions for Implementation

Administration should encourage teachers to collaborate with media specialist on instructional activities
that would support student achievement in the classrooms through combined content and information
literacy instruction.

The media specialist can start with just one grade level per semester to address this plan in a manageable
way.
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For example, this semester can be started with the fifth grade. The teachers and media specialist
can collaborate on instruction that would prepare students for the upcoming Georgia Milestones
test, with the teachers choosing a high need content area that will be supported by matching
information literacy standards from the media specialist.

Moving the Media Program Forward

Technology Integration: From Proficient to Exemplary

The action plan just suggested would in turn help this indicator move to exemplary.

If the above action steps were implemented, and teachers and the media specialist collaborate to teach
students, and incorporate the use of Web 2.0 tools and other technology, this indicator would easily slide
into the exemplary rating, which stated that the media specialist integrates emerging technologies into a
variety of instructional strategies to support the diverse learning styles, interests, and ability of all students
to inquire, think critically, and gain and create knowledge.

April 18, 2015

By the media specialist collaborating with the teacher and getting students to explore technologies in a
critical thinking process led by content and information literacy skills, students will develop lifelong
habits that will encourage them to continue to explore technology and information.