Re: [LM_NET] TAR: Teacher interference and book choices? a bit long

[Kris Fallon <librarychickie@GMAIL.COM>]

I am interested in what others have to say about it.  I had a situation
along those lines last year.

A boy checked out a manga drawing book and pointed out a scantily dressed
cartoon female character to his classmates, causing disruption in the
class.  The third grade teacher pointed it out to me and asked if I thought
it was appropriate for 3rd grade.  I explained that as a parent I may or may
not feel it appropriate but that I was trained not to make those judgements
for his parents.  The teacher responded that it probably would be ok with
this particular child's parent. I then added that as a teacher she had a
right to dicatate what was appropriate for her classroom and could make that
decision.  To illustrate the point, I mentioned that another teacher (her
best friend in fact) could not stand Captain Underpants and would not allow
it in her classroom.  The teacher in front of me then went on to defend
Captain Underpants and I pointed out to her this is why librarians don't
remove books from collections, etc.

In library school I was taught that librarians are not in loco parentis and
should not make decisions about a child's reading materials.  Therefore, as
a public librarian I never interfered with a child's choice no matter what
because I was not in loco parentis.

In a school setting, I understand that the school is in loco parentis,
however, I have maintained that as a librarian I am not where as the
classroom teacher is and has the responsibility to determine what is
appropriate for her/his classroom.   Some years I've been teacher prep
coverage, some years not.  I have always maintained that one reason I should
not be coverage is that it is almost a conflict of interest for me to make
book selection decisions for students where as a classroom teacher had every
right too.

The teacher's directive should come from the teacher to the student directly
and you should not have to be the go between.  If the teacher does not stay
with you and the child goes for books that the classroom teacher does not
want, the teacher can confiscate the book.

I will also allow students to check things out for home that teachers do not
allow in their classroom as long as their parents allow them to visit the
library after school and are willing to accept that I will not interfere
with book selection choices.

BTW.  I love Captain Underpants.  I think he has saved many a boy (and
probably girls) from hating reading for life and I wish your parent could
understand that.  In the end though she is the parent.
-- 
Kristina Fallon, LMS
Robert Morris School, k-8
So Bound Brook, NJ
librarychickie@gmail.com
"Only the educated are free." - Epictus, (Greek-born, Roman slave and
philosopher- 55 AD - 135 AD)


On 12/4/08, Jennie <jennieteacher@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> I am getting "directives" from teachers on what books certain children can
> and cannot check out. One parent told a teacher that the Library should no
> longer let their son check out "Captain Underpants". I stupidly agreed to
> deal with it.
>
> It was a horrible experience! The child happily ran to the shelf with his
> favorite books are, when I stepped in and first tried to distract, suggest,
> implore, and finally removed the book from him. He went into hysterics (may
> be other issues at play here as well). But, what have I done to him and the
> others in the class???
>
> I am sure this is an "oldie, but a goodie" debate that I have just
> discovered in my career.
>
> *Where does everyone stand on the issue of "teacher interference and book
> choices"? *
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Jennie Scott-McKenzie
> EY-12 Library Media Specialist
> International School of Belgrade, Serbia
> IB World School
> jennieteacher@gmail.com
> jmckenzie@isb.rs
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
> Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law.
> You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings
> by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book.
> 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/
> * LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/
> * EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://lm-net.info/
> * LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html
> * LM_NET Wiki: http://lmnet.wikispaces.com/
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
>

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law.
  You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings
  by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book.
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/
 * LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/
 * EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://lm-net.info/
 * LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html
 * LM_NET Wiki: http://lmnet.wikispaces.com/
--------------------------------------------------------------------