Re: [LM_NET] Target: Fixed vs. Flexible scheduling

[Shonda Brisco <sbrisco@GMAIL.COM>]

I agree with, Mary on this one.  Regardless of the level of expertise
the librarian brings to the program, if the teachers demand a fixed
schedule and for the library / librarian to be in the midst of the
rotation with physical education, art, and music at the elementary
level, there is little recourse if the administration is not willing
to make changes.  With the strength of the many (teachers) outweighing
the ideas of the one (librarian), it's hard to convince administrators
that a flexible or even a fixed-flexible schedule might work to
everyone's advantage, regardless of the evidence in hand.

Even through discussions with administrators using the library
literature, graphs, charts, research and evidence, some are bound to
their teachers, who may NOT be aware of what is happening in the
library profession or what WE should be doing to assist them.  Even at
the elementary levels, I'm seeing many teachers trying to fly solo in
the classroom when, in reality, becoming a partner with the librarian
would be more productive and less tedious for everyone involved.
While we might also be training our administrators of our worth (and
wealth) to the curriculum and student achievement, we must also be
sure to share with our teacher what we can do to collaborate with them
for student achievement.

However, I don't see many teachers who want to give up their "free
time" that is allowed them through the fixed schedule (and the
planning period offered when students visit the library) in exchange
for a collaborative project with the librarian.  Most do not see this
as a "win-win" situation--- which is frustrating.

Specific "how-to's" or success stories of how a schedule was changed
from a fixed schedule to a flexible schedule (and the timeline it took
to develop this change) would be most useful for everyone who is
struggling with this situation. I know of only a couple who have told
stories about how this worked but the personalities involved were also
flexible.  What happens when the personalities (teachers or
administrators) are adament about NOT changing something that works
for THEM....even though we know it's not working for the librarian,
the students, or the ultimate goal...their achievement?

Please post your suggestions on changing minds to flexible schedules
after years of "we've always done it this way..."

Thanks!

~Shonda

Shonda Brisco, MLIS
Library Media Specialist
sbrisco@gmail.com

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