The Learner and Learning

Candidates in school librarian preparation programs are effective educators who demonstrate an awareness of learners’ development. Candidates promote cultural competence and respect for inclusiveness. Candidates integrate the National School Library Standards considering learner development, diversity, and differences while fostering a positive learning environment.  Candidates impact student learning so that all learners are prepared for college, career, and life.  

Description 

To address 1.1 Learner Development, I helped a Social Studies teacher redesign a Television Unit Project for her American Pop Culture class. I gave students direct instruction on citing website and database sources using NoodleTools. I guided them as they searched for articles on EBSCO, practiced citation exports, and created slides with Microsoft PowerPoint. 

Analysis 

For this project redesign, I integrated the AASL National School Library Standards, specifically VI. Engage, B. Create, competencies 1 and 2: ethically using and reproducing others’ work...and demonstrating respect for the intellectual property of others. Despite providing an engaging project topic and choices, the students were not enthused, especially when citing sources. Their attitudes—respectful but removed—made me realize that moving forward, I must find better ways to keep students engaged while covering a topic they do not find exciting. 

Reflection 

When I'm a librarian, I’d like to spend more time with students on research projects. I realized it’s difficult to hold students accountable when I do not teach them daily; I will talk to my colleagues about this when we collaborate in the future. I will improve student engagement when I put more thought into hooking students upon (re)introducing NoodleTools. A Kahoot game or a quick practice in correcting bad citations are promising ideas. 

Description 

My Implementation Plan to Impact Growth showcases two ideas that will impact diverse learners: a library Makerspace and a “Diverse Profiles and Titles” newscast. For each strategy, I identified participants and composed SMART objectives with accompanying action steps.

Analysis 

Both activities include manageable implementation steps and SMART objectives, which I made more measurable when revising the artifact. In the Makerspace area, students will explore, invent, and design learning products. These opportunities capture many interests and fields of study; therefore, the space will meet diverse learners’ needs. The newscast will engage the school community as it spotlights various interests and backgrounds, promoting a positive learning culture. I wish I had more time to meet with teachers and librarians in my district and others to see how they use Makerspaces; this will be one of my priorities in the future. 

Reflection 

To create this plan, I took inspiration from two teachers who started a Makerspace in my district’s North Intermediate school and an idea I’ve had for a while: to promote more library resources on the school news. I've realized that only a handful of truly collaborative opportunities occur between the librarian and students/staff at my high school. This is something I want to change, and I am motivated to continue conversations with my colleagues and administrators about authentically applying my ideas. 

Description  

My School and Community Analysis indicates Wallenpaupack Area High School's demographics and learning needs. My Curriculum Chart is built on the key topics taught by subject area, grade level, and Academy Pathways at the same school. These artifacts produce a clear picture of how to meet learners’ needs through a school community analysis, library analysis, and curriculum guide.

Analysis  

For the school community analysis, I researched local reports to understand my school's demographic data. For the curriculum chart, I sifted through extensive information that I carefully condensed into an attractive, one-page summary. I have a better idea of how to develop and improve the library’s collection, keeping in mind the priorities and ever-changing needs of all learners and faculty. I learned a lot more about the high school's three academies and how enrollment is distributed in each career pathway. This knowledge will guide future collection development and collaboration with staff and students. I’m eager to share my community analysis and curriculum chart with a wider audience.

Reflection  

I am now more confident in my school’s course catalog offerings and learners’ needs. With time, I will use and adapt these artifacts to ensure that I curate and maintain an engaging and equitable library collection. I will strengthen my effectiveness in using data to address a variety of patron needs. By keeping both documents up to date, I will help faculty and administrators implement solutions that impact learner growth. While I chose these artifacts to demonstrate my knowledge of learner differences, this work also shows my strengths in meeting other librarianship standards such as leadership, collaboration, and professional learning.

Description  

The Library Facilities Plan showcases how I designed and described strategic solutions for addressing physical, social, virtual, and intellectual barriers to equitable access to resources and services in a school library. My work demonstrates an effective floor plan renovation, virtual access, and ADA-accessible spaces, with flexibility at the forefront of my ideas.

Analysis  

My design plan focuses on what today’s school libraries need: flexible shelving and seating, study rooms, a large instructional area, conferencing space, technology upgrades, a redesigned circulation area, and a Makerspace corner. These updates encourage positive social interaction and the curation of knowledge. I composed an achievable plan based on budget realities, and I complied with ADA requirements as I developed solutions for better use of the current space. Additional items I should add to future purchasing lists include iPad charging stations, a large TV screen for scrolling school announcements, and another TV screen for an ambiance display. 

Reflection  

My new plan is designed for a student-centered, future-ready high school library. The environment will provide physical and virtual access to diverse, engaging, and equitable learning resources. Though creating the layout was challenging as I navigated a design program that was completely new to me, I’m proud of how I added more life to the library. I will continue advocating for flexible and open access to library resources and services.