Fixed, Flexible, or Mixed Scheduling in our School Library Media Center.

1
Fixed, Flexible, or Mixed Scheduling in our
School Library Media Center.
2
What is Fixed Scheduling?

• In the library media center that uses a Fixed
  Schedule, each class comes to the library on a
  fixed day (once per week) for a fixed period of
  time.

3
Advantages to a fixed schedule.

• Each class is assured regular library time.
• Each class is learning information literacy
  skills.

4
Disadvantages to a Fixed Schedule.

• LMC and LMS may not be available at the point of
  need.
• Less time for collaboration with the classroom
  teacher.
• Which will mean
• Information literacy skills will be taught in
  isolation instead of integrated with the schools
  curriculum.
• Information literacy skills taught in isolation
  are irrelevant.
• Little time for students to come to the library
  as an individual seeking information on an area
  of interest.
• The potential of the LMC is not realized.

5
What is a Flexible Schedule?

• Open access to the library media center.
• Teachers may schedule classes based on
  instructional need.

6
Advantages to Flexible Scheduling.

• LMS is available for Point of need instruction.
• Supports the integration of information literacy
  skills with the schools curriculum.
• Allows for small groups or individual students to
  come to the LMC for instruction.
• More time for collaboration with the classroom
  teacher resulting in superior learning
  experiences (Two heads are better than one.)

7
With a Flexible Schedule allowing for more
collaboration time, and a library that is
accessible for Point of need instruction,
activities like this, could be happening in our
library media center.

• Collaborative Lesson with the Library Media
  Specialist and Grade 6 Language Arts Teacher and
  Students using a Research Model to discover the
  characteristics of Tolkien's fantasy creatures.
  Print and Internet Resources were accessed using
  Destiny online library catalog. Students created
  guidebooks based on their research as well as
  dioramas, triptych art and murals. Since students
  were especially fond of the hobbits, we planned a
  gallery walk to celebrate their amazing artwork
  and for the school community to enjoy! The school
  library was transformed into the shire and Bilbo
  Baggins turned 111! Description of video from
  teacher tube.
• http//www.teachertube.com/view_video.php?viewkey
  bbcce23d7a8c90adf81c

8
Concerns about Flexible Scheduling.

• Fear that students will no longer visit the
  library without a scheduled regular visit.
• Fear of losing weekly activities that encourage a
  love of reading (story time, book talks, and a
  time to sit and read in the comfort of the school
  library.)
• Extra planning time for teachers and library
  media specialist to collaborate.
• Fear of losing a scheduled Planning period.

9
What is Flexible and Fixed Scheduling?

• Flexible and Fixed is a Middle ground between
  Flexible and Fixed scheduling.
• Library will have a regular scheduled time for
  classes to come to the library while reserving
  Flexible time for instruction on a Need basis.

10
Information Power Building Partnerships for
Learning on Flexible Scheduling.

• In a student-centered SLMP, learning needs take
  precedence over class schedules, school hours,
  student categorization, and other logistical
  concerns.
• To meet learning needs, the programs resources
  and services must be available so that
  information problems can be resolved when they
  arise.
• Predetermined timetables without other options
  and practices that limit access to resources on
  the basis of age, ability, or other means of
  grouping can stifle intellectual curiosity and
  authentic learning.

11
Information Access and Delivery Principles of
School Library Media Programs from Information
Power Building Partnerships for Learning

• Principle 4 The library media program requires
  flexible and equitable access to information,
  ideas and resources for learning.
• These principles were identified and developed
  by the Information Power Committee, reviewed and
  commented upon by profession, and approved by the
  AASL and AECT Boards as cardinal premises on
  which learning and teaching within the effective
  school library media program is based.

12
Alabamas School Library Media Handbook for the
21st Century Learner

• The library media program consistently provides
• flexible access to archived, current, and new
• resources to meet the learning needs of the
• school community.
• The LMC should be considered a learning
• resource that extends classroom learning, not
• a substitute classroom where students are
• placed for a designated period of time without
• the classroom teacher present as a
• collaborator.
• The library media program must consistently
• provide access to resources that encourage
• research, engage students in reading for
• pleasure, support the curriculum, and address
• individual needs and interests.

13
Activity

• With a partner read, discuss and take notes on
• AASL position paper on fixed scheduling.
• http//www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/aaslissues/
  positionstatements/aaslpositionstatement.cfm
• Circulate and share your thoughts on library
  media center scheduling.