GEN: new media specialists, licensure, accreditation etc

[Maryalice Anderson <maryalic@WMS.LUMINET.NET>]

In Minnesota we do not even have to have a teaching license  or an  ALA
accreditation to be a school media specialist.   I know this is alarming to
many people and I certainly am not happy about the non-teaching requiement.
But, the competencies are TOP NOTCH there are some high end requirements.,
and they certainly match what's in INFORMATION POWER.    I think it would
be difficult to meet the competencies without a teaching license and tons
of  coursework in media.   I'm very confident that anyone meeting the new
competencies will be well equiped to be a teacher and a school media
specialist
the competencies are @
http://www.educ.state.mn.us/teachbrd/8710_4550.html

My principal and I recently co-presented at a national conference. These
are his expectations of  a media specialist.

Provide leadership
Have knowledge of information resources
Help with technology integration
Provide updates
Promote activities, resources, and change
Provide support and direction for staff and administration
Be current
Provide staff development
Technology
Be knowledgeable of state graduation standards
Participate in school wide curriculum efforts
Have an educational delivery plan
Recognize the individuality of teaching staff
Have organizational, fiscal management skills

I think it's an interesting list and something worth thinking about.

We certainly can never settle the ongoing argument about licensure,
requirements  etc.  I am not advocating hiring non licensed people or even
non-teachers.   But, the bottom ine is  that it's what you do and the
program you run not  what your license says you can do.       I am
certainly not trying to offend anyone, just offering my two-cents and 32
years experience worth.


Mary Alice Anderson, Media Specialist
& Editorial Consultant, Linworth Publishing,  columnist,  _Multimedia Schools_
Winona Middle School        166 West Broadway
Winona MN 55987               Ph: 507-454-9439
Personal home page: http://wms.luminet.net/teachers/manderso.html
Media tech page:  http://wms.luminet.net/wmstechnology/index.html


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