Outcomes-Based Education Position Paper (AASL)

[Debbie Abilock <debbie@NUEVA.PVT.K12.CA.US>]

Dear LM_Netter's:

Earlier this year I promised to get you a copy of AASL's position paper
on OBE.  It was accepted by AASL at their midwinter meeting and, for the
summer ALA meeting, the committee is to provide "scenarios" to amplify
the meaning of the document.  I would be glad to carry your comments
about the document to the Committee's meeting in June.



The Role of the Library Media Specialist in Outcomes-Based Education
                         (AASL Position Paper)

The library media specialist has an essential role in curriculum
development.  Outcomes-based education is a curriculum practice which
establishes clearly defined learner outcomes based on the premise that
all students can be successful learners.  High expectation outcomes,
which are essential for success after graduation, require carefully
aligned curriculum, instructional strategies and performance-based
assessment.  In their unique roles as information specialist, teacher,
and instructional consultant, library media specialists actively
participate in both the planning and implementation of outcomes-based
education.

As information specialist, the library media specialist

* provides knowledge of availability, and suitability of information
resources to support curriculum initiatives;

* engages in the developmental process with the planning team, using
knowledge of school curriculum and professional resources;

* facilitates the use of presentation tools in print, technology, and
media for dissemination efforts;

* serves as an expert in organizing, synthesizing, and communicating
information.


As teacher, the library media specialist works collaboratively to

* determine learning outcomes, including those in information literacy,
for all students in their school and/or school system;

* plan, implement, and evaluate resource based learning;

* integrate information literacy into all curriculum outcomes;

* develop on-going performance-based assessments for determining the
achievement of outcomes.


As instructional consultant, the library media specialist collaborates
with administrators and other faculty to

* facilitate development of teachers' understanding and implementation of
outcomes-based education;

* plan for learning environments supportive of curriculum integration;

*preview and select resources and technology to accommodate the learning
styles and multiple intelligences of students;

*design and implement a variety of instructional strategies and
experiences that engage each student in successful learning.

INFORMATION POWER states that "the mission of the library media program
is to ensure that students and staff are effective users of ideas and
information."  The school library media specialist is a powerful partner
in providing an integrative curriculum that prepares students for success
in the twenty-first century.


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Debbie Abilock              "It is important that students bring a certain
The Nueva School            ragamuffin barefoot irreverence to their studies;
Hillsborough, CA            they are not here to worship what is known, but
debbie@nueva.pvt.k12.ca.us         to question it."  (Jacob Bronowski)
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