School Libraries and Literacy: A Logical Link

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School Libraries and LiteracyA Logical Link

• Janet Dixon Preston High School
• Marybeth Snyder Galt Collegiate Institute
• Waterloo Region District School Board
• OLA Super Conference 2006

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The catalystand the outrage!
All other curricular areas were receiving funding
from the new Think Literacy initiative, but
there was no consideration of school
libraries. We had the resources, the expertise,
the cross-curricular perspective yet we were
considered irrelevant!
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The challenge to our members
We must be recognized as vital we must show the
link How can we show the important role we
already play in student success?
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The challenge we put to the Think Literacy
consultant

• We invited her to our Association meeting.
• We came prepared with current professional
  literature about school libraries and their link
  to literacy and school achievement.
• We articulated our concern and emphasized that we
  must be involved at both school and system level.

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The Proposal Offered
4500 for professional development 7500 for
resource purchasing to support Teacher-Librarian
leadership in the delivery of literacy PD for
classroom teachers.
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Our Action Plan

• We invited Carol Koechlin for a full day workshop
  to
• Demonstrate strategies from the Think Literacy
  Subject-Specific Resource for Teacher-Librarians.
• Share tools for gathering data, showing the
  impact of our intervention on students.

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Our Action Plan
We planned Success Story presentations for our
next Association meeting, to share the evidence
with our colleagues.
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Our Action Plan
We purchased three professional resources for all
Association members, all by Carol Koechlin et al.
Ban Those Bird Units Build Your Own Information
Literate School Info Tasks for Successful
Learning.
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Our Action Plan

• We compiled a list of recommended professional
  literacy resources.
• We displayed the books at an Association
  meeting, and order forms were completed by
  members.
• We coordinated a bulk order, and delivery.

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Responses
Teacher-Librarians have modelled superb
professionalism and leadership. I look forward
to further collaboration next year.
L. Brien, Think Literacy Consultant
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Responses
The sharing and support which you give to one
another as an Association is evident you have
shown leadership, creativity and initiative.
J. Currie,
Principals Rep.
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Responses
This whole experience has been very empowering
for this group. It re-affirms the critical role
that the library program continues to play in
student achievement. Anita Brooks Kirkland,
ITS Consultant, Library Program
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Handouts

• Literacy unit descriptions (green)
• Reading program initiatives (salmon)
• Considerations for a professional library (blue)
• Taking up the Challenge (pink)

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Taking up the Challenge
It really does work

• with an ESL class

• with a Grade 9 Advanced English class

• with the OLC Literacy class

• with White Pine reading programs

• with a school-wide reading initiative

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Taking up the Challenge

• How can you promote literacy in your library
  program?
• Where is the evidence of successful literacy
  promotion in your library program?
• How will you use your evidence of success?