Objective 1.1: Knowledge of Learners & Learning
Indicator: Candidates support the learning of all students and other
members of the learning community, including those with
diverse learning styles, physical and intellectual abilities and needs.
In the business world, workers take care to ‘know their clients’. In our business, the clients have backpacks and the desks are considerably smaller; yet the saying still holds true. In order for me to know how to best serve my school, I must first know who I am serving. I was able to do just this by performing a community and school analysis for Reservoir High School.
Students are what make up a school, and in turn there are many things that shape who our students are. A community and school analysis assesses the multitude of factors that play a role in the lives of the students and families that the school serves.
Here are a few factors that I examined in my school and community analysis: -socioeconomic status -access to public libraries and transportation -cultural/religious backgrounds -Special Education services -languages spoken/ESL Services -Free and Reduced Lunch -student/family mobility -graduation/drop-out rates -test scores/trends -extra-curricular & academic programs When I first faced this assignment, I found myself wondering how it related to my role as a librarian. I soon discovered that knowing such information allows me a closer look into the things that my students deal with in their personal lives on a daily basis. If I don’t research and know my community members, how can I make myself the best resource possible? By knowing the learner, I can set up a library program that creates a more meaningful and successful learning experience. Examining this data ensures that I establish a program that is tailored to my school population. My collection must not only meet curricular needs, but at the same time cater to the learning styles and challenges of all students. Every student in the building should see the library as a place that will open them to new information, challenge them, but ultimately help them to experience learning as a positive part of their life. A goal of mine is to inspire a love for reading and I can only do so if I know what intrigues and engages my students. I must see to it that all students feel included, be it that they relate to characters in books, or find non-fiction resources on subjects that they find interesting. This artifact helped me to see that the data ultimately allows the librarian the chance to forge new relationships. By establishing a collection for my learners, I create the opportunity for relationships to form between myself and the students. It would be ideal for me to know the students on a personal basis, from having them feel comfortable to ask me for assistance, to suggesting titles that they would enjoy. I want to establish a library where relationships pave the way for success. In the end, the library should be a place that reflects the community it serves; a place where differences should be recognized and celebrated. |
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