Your situation is a challenging one, and unfortunately it is all too common.
Plenty of anecdotal evidence exists to support the idea that flexible
scheduling of library time is more educationally sound than fixed
scheduling. I suspect, however, that the real reason nearly every K-5
school operates a fixed library schedule is to fulfill contractual
obligation of teacher prep time. Figuring out how to renegotiate an
established teacher contract is a MUCH bigger task for us than establishing
the value of flexible scheduling.
The contract in my system is highly unusual in MA, in that five subjects
(art, music, drama, science, physical ed) taught by specialists provide the
elementary teachers will one full prep period each day of the week. For
this reason, classroom teachers accompany their classes to the library. My
understanding is that most teacher contracts in MA grant classroom teacher
prep time during library "class."
I would be curious whether other K-5 librarians who operate with a flexible
schedule have similar contracts - and whether those who operate with a fixed
schedule do so because they are contractually bound to do so.
Mary Kenslea
Library Teacher
MacArthur Elementary School (at Northeast)
40 Putney Lane
Waltham, MA 02452
kensleam@k12.waltham.ma.us
-----Original Message-----
From: School Library Media & Network Communications
[mailto:LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU] On Behalf Of Elizabeth Conner
Sent: Saturday, March 26, 2005 8:43 AM
To: LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU
Subject: [LM_NET] Target: Flexible scheduling
Hello,
I am a librarian in a K-5 elementary school. Currently the library is used
as a release time for teacher planning like art, music, PE. This means I
teach 6 50min classes a day of 28 or so students. I am in charge of the
adjoining computer lab and so I use the opportunity to teach technology
skills as well. However, needless to say this causes the library to be under
utilized for research and collaborative projects.
I would very much like to approach the administrators and staff with the
idea of having at least semi-flexible schedule. In other words have the
library open a couple of hours for collaborative lessons with the classroom
teacher(s). I already know I will be met with resistance from some
individuals. I would like to be armed with some data.
1. Have any of you had to move a library from fixed to flexible schedule?
Any pointers or ideas would be appreciated.
2. Does anyone have information, websites, journals I could consult to show
that a flexible schedule prompts/enhances student learning?
3. Does anyone who has a flexible schedule have any input about the good
and/or the bad aspects of flexible schedules?
4. Any other information about flexible scheduling any of you might be able
to share would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance for any information you might be able to provide. This
is only my second year as a library coordinator, and I'm still working on my
MLS so I have much to learn.
Elizabeth Conner
Media Coordinator
Belmont Elementary
Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina
--------------------------------------------------------------------
All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law.
To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu
In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL
3) SET LM_NET MAIL 4) SET LM_NET DIGEST * Allow for confirmation.
LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/
Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/
EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://elann.biglist.com/el-announce/
LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------
All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law.
To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu
In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL
3) SET LM_NET MAIL 4) SET LM_NET DIGEST * Allow for confirmation.
LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/
Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/
EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://elann.biglist.com/el-announce/
LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------
LM_NET
Mailing List Home