To: Principal Johnson

From: C. McPherson
R. Stewart
Topic: Media center evaluation

Ms. Johnson,

This memo is to apprise you of the results of our media center program evaluation. A
copy of the DOE Library Media Program Self-Evaluation Rubric is attached. I will
summarize and explain the results for each category.
For category 1, we determined that for #1 we are proficient, because we do bring
students in to work on skills but we don’t see them enough to earn an exemplary score.
#2 we consider to be more basic, since we have too many impediments to do big
collaborative projects. In order to become exemplary we would need to develop a means
to get the teachers together for collaborative sessions. One way to do that could be to
designate specific times per month in which the teachers would spend their planning time
with the media specialist in collaboration. #3, #5, and #6 we determined to be proficient
because we do work with individual teachers collaboratively, as well as selecting
resources to aid with these collaborative projects. We also use tools such as Turning
Point and Accelerated Reader for assessment. However, # 4 we consider to be exemplary
because our media center sees good book circulation with teachers bringing their students
in often to check out books. We also have a variety of events in the media center that
draws the students in, and even created a reading contest against the administration, with
12 students out-reading the principal.
For category 2, we consider #7 to be exemplary. We maintain a full-time certified
media specialist as well as support personnel, and adult supervision by either the media
specialist or the media secretary is constant and available to students at all times.
For category 3, we determined that #8 - #12 are also exemplary. We are a fully
flexible media center, and try to stay open whenever students need access. The square
footage exceeds requirements because the media center was actually designed for more
students than we currently have enrolled. And with the school being only a few years
old, our electronic distribution system is state-of-the-art. All databases are available to
all computers throughout the school with some resources available via Internet access.
New acquisitions are made based on reliable sources. However, #13 we determined to be
basic, because students don’t do a lot searches using Galileo. We do show the students
the basics of Galileo, but they would much rather “Google it.” In order to give students
more practice using Galileo, teachers need to make Galileo an integral part of student
research projects. Therefore, time should be spent in staff development for teachers so
that they can learn how better to use Galileo in their own research strategies so that they
can pass on that knowledge to their students. As media specialists, we can also give more
student lessons on using Galileo as a research tool.
For category 4, we consider #14 to be exemplary. Our SMCP was a media specialist
and understands our role. We meet for a full day once a month, and we have access to an
on-line site to help us when we need specific media center-related information. As for
#15, we are still in our basic phase. We do receive administrative support but we are
continually asked to do more but without the additional time or resources to do it. Also,
as the district makes more cuts, we are facing further hardships. In order to become
proficient in this area, we as media specialists would need to meet with district
administration periodically for planning sessions on how to better encourage teachers to
integrate library resources into their curriculum. A good time to do that would be during
our meetings with the SMCP. District leaders could be invited periodically to work with
us in our planning. #16 is also considered basic because our media advisory committee
only meets once a year, and although their opinions are often solicited through emails, we
generally don’t get a response. To become proficient, we need to schedule periodic
meetings with the library media advisory committee, perhaps once per grading period.
#17 is proficient as media center policy is implemented consistently, although at times we
are fairly flexible with it. #18 is basic, because although we do get yearly allocations, we
do not have any input as to the media program budget and rarely receive supplemental
funds.
For category 5, we rate #19 as proficient bordering on exemplary. We are always
looking for ways to enhance our professional and technology skills. We look forward to
conferences. We introduce new technologies through staff development meetings.
However, we are still working on attaining “master teacher” status. We need to be
recognized as leaders and to be called upon for input during meetings.
We would like to see #5 become exemplary. In order to achieve this, we would like to
convert to the Lexile framework. First, we would become more knowledgeable of the
Lexile framework through Webinars and online workshops. Then we would “Lexile” our
media center. We would use this framework to collect student data, and match each
student with ability-appropriate materials, thus achieving differentiation. We would work
with teachers to design activities that would enhance student achievement. We believe
that adding this service would result in an exemplary rating.