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PALS CoSer #547

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Overview of Roles

Overview Chart

Participants

Articles, Presentations & Workshop Topics

SLMPE

Blackboard Site

Recipient of the AASL 2006 Highsmith Research Grant

PARTNERS IN ACHIEVEMENT: LIBRARIES & STUDENTS (PALS)
Improving Student Achievement through
Data use for Library-Media Specialists

Read our PALS article: by Judith Dzkiowski, Mary Tiedemann & Justin Ashworth published in the August/September issue of Library Media Connection magazine by Linworth. Library Media Connection

A substantial body of research since 1990 clearly demonstrates …that a well-stocked library staffed by a certified library media specialist has a positive impact on student achievement, regardless of the socio-economic or educational levels of the community.
- Scholastic Research Foundation Paper; "School Libraries Work!", 2008

Exemplary library programs have been proven to have a positive impact on student achievement.
A balance between an integrated instructional program and a properly aligned and current collection is essential to achieve this goal.

PALS is designed to develop the capacity of Library Media Specialists (LMS) and Teacher Partners to increase their understanding of data analysis, NYS Learning Standards and AASL (American Association of School Libraries) Standards for the 21st Century Learner, Web 2.0 technologies, assessments and instruction. Attendees are given opportunities to collaborate using this knowledge to improve student performance.  During the previous five years, 42 Library Media Specialists, 61 Teacher Partners, and 3 Instructional Specialists from 17 school districts have participated in this service.

Training focuses on various standardized assessments and data analysis. The training addresses the nature and format of the NYS assessments, with an emphasis on ELA and Social Studies. Formative assessments of various types are examined in order to provide a complete picture of student performance. The national AASL Standards for the 21st Century Learner are correlated to the NYS Standards. Participants receive Web 2.0 tools to help facilitate the creation and implementation of their collaborative instructional unit. In addition, Library Media Specialists (LMS) perform a collection analysis in order to align the collection to the curriculum.

Training & Support:

5 full day sessions for PALS members - materials included ($800 value) Workshops that are open to all SLS librarians and teacher partners On-site coaching for LMS and Teacher Partners: One half day for data analysis and planning One half day for collection development/library instruction Time allotted at sessions for collaboration between LMS and Teacher Partner Web 2.0 technologies

School Library System, OCM BOCES: (315) 433-2670 Judi Dzikowski; jdzikowski@ocmboces.org Mary Tiedemann; mtiedemann@ocmboces.org Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment, OCM BOCES: (315) 433-2659