For Massachusetts slm's about Mass Ed Online preentation on

[JCONSTANT@UMASSD.EDU]

                                             May 2 1994

To Library Media Specialists in Massachusetts:


As a member of MassCue (Massachusetts Computer Using Educators), I receive
their monthly newsletter with descriptions of conferences, workshops and
special interest group meetings.  The following Bristol County SIG meeting
should be of interest to library media specialists in Bristol County and
surrounding areas. If you are a Mass Cue member, you can bring a guest. If
you are not a Mass Cue member you might still be able to attend. You would
have to contact Mrs. Dean at the Computer Tech Center.(see below)

On Monday, May 16th, the Computer Technology Center in Somerset, MA will host
Mr. John Phillipo of CELT (Center for Educational Leadership and Technology).
CELT is the consulting firm hired by the Massachusetts Office of Education to
produce the Mass Ed Online statewide technology plan. Regional hearings were
held in December, 1993 and in April, 1994.

It is important that school library media specialists participate in the
planning process. If you missed the opportunity to attend the regional
hearings, you might want to attend. I did attend the regional hearing in New
Bedford, and will be happy to share my notes with anyone who is interested. I
also have copies of the Common Core of Learning competencies that pertain to
the information skills, for anyone who is interested in having them by email.

At the MLA conference last week, participants were told to refer to the
Common Core of Learning when they attended the regional hearings, especially
concerning staffing patterns in schools. It is important that people who
staff school resource centers have the same knowledge and competencies now
required of school library media specialists by the Massachusetts Department
of Education. CELT can not mandate this in the Mass Ed ONline report, but it
certainly can recommend it. I asked the Mass Ed Online Management Team
members who were in New BEdford on April 27th to do just that. I also wrote
letters using the Common Core of Learning information competencies, the SCANS
report and Massachusetts certification standards for school library media
specialists as justification for my request. It would help if other teachers
and library media specialists would do the same.

Topic: America's 21st Century School: Linking Educational Reform with the
Effective Use of Technology.

Description: This presentation will provide an overview of how a
comprehensive information technology system can and should be used to support
and initiate educational reform. Several scenarios will be used to explore
strategies for revitalizing the curriculum, transforming the management of
schools, and incorporating core technology competencies into the classroom to
meet the social, economic, and educational needs of all students for the 21st
Century. Classroom, school and state levels will be discussed. The presenter
will also provide management methodologies that are necessary to maximize a
school's educational technology investment.


Contact: Jean E. Dean, Computer TEchnology Center
Work: (508) 672-2060    Home: (508) 822-3795

Directions:

From Providence, TAke I-95 East to Exit 3 (Swansea Mall exit.) Drive east on
Route 6 to Route 138 North. Drive through Somerset, and turn left on
Whetstone Hill Road just past the Indian Springs Plaza (the Club Somerset is
a good landmark on the left just before the turn.) The Computer Technology
Center is a half mile up the hill on the right.

From Taunton: Take Route 138  South from Taunton Green approximately 10 miles
to the Somerset Water Treatment Plant. Turn right on Whetstone Hill Road. The
Center is a half a mile up the hill on the right.

From Fall River: Take the Brightman Street Bridge and turn right immediately
past the bridge. Drive through Somerset, and turn left on Whetstone Hill Road
just pst the Indian Springs Plaza(the Club Somerset is a good landmark on the
left just before the turn.)The Center is a half mile up the hill on the
right.


For notes from the regional hearing, or for information about the SCANS
report, the Massachusetts Common Core of Learning (Draft Feb.94) or the
Certification Standards for School Library MEdia Specialists in
Massachusetts, email me at:  jconstant@umassd.edu

                                  Best wishes,
                                   Jane Constant
                                   Reference Librarian
                                   B.M.C.Durfee High School
                                  Fall River, MA 02720
                                   Tel: 9508) 675-8124 or 25

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