Goal+1+-+Projects

Faculty members of our department will collaborate with teachers to create new projects as well as to revise existing ones, blending curriculum with information literacy and technology skills instruction across all grade levels and within all disciplines. Projects will foster critical thinking and will be cross-curricular when appropriate. || Implementation during the following year || Instructional Librarians Technology Integrationists ||  || Technology Integrationists Director ||  || Technology Integrationists Director ||  || Technology Integrationists Director ||  ||
 * **Goal # 1**
 * **Action Steps** || **Timeline** || **Person(s) responsible** || **Resources needed** ||
 * Survey students and faculty – and use the alumnae survey – to define areas of strength and weakness in the instructional program. Implement suggestions as appropriate. || Survey annually – 4th Qtr.
 * Evaluate our current information literacy model and make recommendations for change. || Fall 2007 || All Librarians
 * Research different instructional methods in order to improve library and technology instruction. || Winter 2007 || All Librarians
 * Evaluate our current resources that support the instructional program. Add additional titles and discontinue those that are not being used. || Ongoing || All Librarians
 * Work with teachers to create student-centered projects that build skills and enhance critical thinking in all areas of the curriculum. Especially approach teachers with whom we have not yet worked. || Ongoing

Beginning Fall 2007 || Technology Integrationists All Librarians All Faculty ||  || 7th grade science teachers ||  || Statistics will be compared with the baseline numbers established in 2006-2007 to show increase in collaborative planning, projects, and classes. Projects will contain evidence of critical thinking and appropriate use of the school’s instructional resources. || Current resources include books, online databases, digital equipment, ArtStor, United Streaming, Atomic Learning, Gizmos, Podcasting, Noodletools, etc. Emerging technologies could include virtual classrooms, distance learning, wikis, blogs, skype, etc. || Students and faculty were surveyed and changes have been made based on their recommendations. Our information literacy model is under review and changes are being made to align our standards with the new AASL and NETS national standards. We continue to evaluate and modify teaching strategies and project planning with teachers to insure relevance to the curriculum and to include problem-solving and critical thinking. Melissa worked with the seventh grade science teachers to further develop and improve the robotics unit. A collection development calendar has been implemented throughout the year to insure that our collection is up to date and includes everything necessary for classroom projects. We are using a number of emerging technologies this year, including a library blog, wikis, Google Earth, blogs and nings with classes, and other Web 2.0 tools, including a wiki for collaborating on the evaluation of this plan.
 * Work with 7th grade Science teachers to develop robotics curriculum || Fall 2007 || Technology Integrationist
 * Stay on the forefront of emerging technologies that enhance teaching and learning || Ongoing || All department members ||  ||
 * Develop calendar for library collection assessment and development. || Spring 2007 || All librarians ||  ||
 * **Measures of success: (Results)**
 * **Notes/Comments:**
 * **2007-2008 Progress:**

Alice attended AASL and ALA conferences and attended meetings and workshops on information literacy models. Many information models were reviewed. A decision was made to begin using a Collaboration Form across all Grade Levels to provide a standardized document defining all project based learning projects between Grades 5 and 12. The form will note ideas, collaboration, lesson plans, technology integration, and reflection. The form will serve as a record keeping document for the department. The form is based on The Big 6 Literacy Model. Beginning in September, 2008, the Fifth Grade has agreed to begin using some of the information literacy materials from The Big 6. We need to consider whether that form could be an electronic form in order to get away from paper planners.

The AASL and ALA Conferences also were resources in the areas of instruction. Alice attended a variety of workshops on creating engaging lessons and collaborating with teachers. Donna and Alice have also read and discussed a variety of articles in professional journals related to instruction.

Donna Clark conducted an extensive weeding project in the Reference area of the library. Donna and Alice Bryant also weeded the Science collection. We have also begun to update materials in the social sciences based on project needs. New materials have been purchased in both Science and Reference. We also conducted another weeding in the Fiction collection mainly for the purpose of reducing damaged and/or older books in the collection. Replacement books have been ordered. After the spring Mythology project, books were weeded and new purchases earmarked for purchase in August, 2008.

The Science/Technology section of the library has been weeded and solid replacement and new purchases were made to enhance the collection. Donna Clark and Alice Bryant met with the Science Department and discussed Science Department research needs and resources. New Science materials were ordered based on that meeting. In addition, Donna conducted a Book Talk for a Science Class and assisted Science teachers with new projects. Alice Bryant also worked with the 8th Grade Science teacher to create a new science project. Donna worked with new history teacher Mary Ellen Pethel on two new projects.

Donna Clark participated in Webinairs on Databases to insure we were choosing the best resources possible for our investment dollar. Donna Clark and Alice Bryant will continue to explore E-Book purchases, especially in the Science area. Further discussions will take place and decision about purchases wil be made by August, 2008.

Donna developed "Zines" with her Winterim Class and Alice worked with an English teacher, Jessie Yancey and created a WIKI for a John Steinbeck lesson. The Wiki was a different type of student-centered tool for students and they enjoyed the experience.

Freshman civil rights project Annotated bibliography from alum survey - 8th grade and Bonnie Different citations besides MLA Ordered books recommended by students Increased fantasy and mystery for MS and contemporary fiction and math for US Loved booktalks so we encouraged that more Book suggestion form so students can recommend titles Improve instructional methods - model for teachers Scary poems - podcasts Alphabet project - Ann Riegle Controversial issues Google Earth Political philosopher debates Winterim Web 2.0 class - English teachers using wikis and blogs as classroom tools

PLP - Benny, Jackie, Kim and us - using 2.0 tools Teenangels Winterim plus entire group Winterim collaborations with librarians - banned books - ordering materials for that - women in finance

Add stats on classes taught.

Forefront - tech staff from other area schools here. ||