Monday, September 17, 2012


CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK


The conceptual framework of the College of Education at UWG forms the basis on which programs, courses, experiences, and outcomes are created. With the goal of Developing Exemplary Practitioners, our programs incorporate ten descriptors, clustered into three interrelated and overlapping themes, that demonstrate our commitment to (a) Professional Excellence [knowledgeable, reflective, inquisitive]; (b) Field-Based Inquiry [decisive, adaptive, proactive, leading]; and (c) the Betterment of Society [collaborative, culturally sensitive, empathetic]. These themes and descriptors are integral components of the conceptual framework and provide the basis for developing exemplary practitioners who are prepared to improve schools and communities. National standards (AASL) also are incorporated as criteria against which candidates are measured.

The mission of the College of Education is to provide excellence in the initial and advanced preparation of professionals for a variety of settings, to foster an innovative learning community, and to empower a faculty committed to teaching and dissemination of knowledge. This course's objectives, activities, and assignments are related directly to the conceptual framework and national standards, as identified below.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

The students will:

  1. discuss the development of libraries and school library media centers in schools (Wasman, 1998;  Woolls, 2004; Morris, 2004)
(Conceptual Framework Descriptors: Decisive, Leading, Inquisitive, Collaborative, Knowledgeable, Proactive,  Reflective _ Professional Excellence, Field-Based Inquiry, Betterment of Society)
(Standards: AASL 1.2, 3.1; GaPSC 1ii, 3i)

  1. examine standards and policies pertaining to operation of school media programs and media specialist certification
 (Wasman, 1998; Woolls, 2004; AASL, n.d.; Georgia Library Media Specialist Handbook, 
  n.d.; Morris 2004)
             (Conceptual Framework Descriptors: Knowledgeable _ Professional Excellence)
            (Standards: AASL 1.4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3; GaPSC 1iv, 4i, 4ii, 4iii )

  1. critique a sample group of mission statements and write a mission statement for a school library media center
(Wasman, 1998; Woolls, 2004; Morris, 2004; AASL, n.d.)
(Conceptual Framework Descriptors: Leading, Proactive, Reflective _ Professional Excellence, Field-Based Inquiry)
(Standards: AASL 4.2; GaPSC 4ii)

4.     demonstrate knowledge of policies and procedures for copyright compliance, inventory, scheduling, periodical control; circulation and overdue policies; circulation and maintenance of media center equipment
      (Wasman, 1998; Heinich, 1999; Morris, 2004; Georgia Library Media Specialist Handbook,
      n.d., Simpson, 2005; Downs, 2009)
            (Conceptual Framework Descriptors: Knowledgeable _ Professional Excellence)
            (Standards: AASL 4.1, 4.2; GaPSC 4i, 4ii)

5.  demonstrate proficiencies in planning, designing, and evaluating facilities for a school library media
(Wasman, 1998; Woolls, 2004; Morris, 2004)
            (Conceptual Framework Descriptors: Knowledgeable _ Professional Excellence)
            (Standards: AASL 1.4, 4.1, 4.2; GaPSC 1iv, 4i, 4ii)

6.     demonstrate an understanding of the budgeting process and site-based management  
(Wasman, 1998; Woolls, 2004; Morris, 2004)
      (Decisive, Leading, Inquiring, Collaborative, Knowledgeable, Proactive, Reflective _
      Professional Excellence, Field-Based Inquiry, Betterment of Society)
      (Standards: AASL 4.1, 4.2, 4.3; GaPSC 4i, 4ii, 4iii)

  1. demonstrate strategies for motivating, training, and evaluating staff and volunteers
(Wasman, 1998; Woolls, 2004; Morris, 2004)
            (Conceptual Framework Descriptors: Decisive, Leading, Adaptive, Collaborative,
            Empathetic _ Professional Excellence, Field-Based Inquiry, Betterment of Society)            (Standards: AASL 4.2; GaPSC 4ii)

      8.   demonstrate interpersonal and group relations and strategies for effective communication,
 including issues of diversity, cultural differences, and special learner needs
             (Morris, 2004; Woolls, 2004; Prostano & Prostano, 1999)
            (Conceptual Framework Descriptors: Leading, Collaborative, Culturally Sensitive,
            Empathetic _ Field-Based Inquiry, Betterment of Society)
            (Standards: AASL 1.4, 2.1, 3.2,4.2; GaPSC 1iv, 2i, 3ii, 4ii)

9.   gain a working familiarity of school media-related professional organizations and
publications and examine various school library media trends and issues
      (Wasman, 1998; Woolls, 2004; Morris, 2004; Repman, 2007; Donham, 2008; appropriate
      web sites)
      (Conceptual Framework Descriptors: Inquisitive, Knowledgeable, Proactive _ Professional           Excellence, Field-Based Inquiry)
      (Standards: AASL 3.1; 3.3; GaPSC 3i, 3iii)

  1. identify resources available to schools such as Georgia State Department of Education,
Georgia Youth Science and Technology Centers, Regional Educational Service Agencies
(RESAs),  Technology Training Centers, Georgia Learning Resources System, Georgia
Learning Connections, GALILEO.
            (Conceptual Framework Descriptors: Collaborative _ Betterment of Society)
            (Standards: AASL 1.3, 3.1, 4.1; GaPSC 1iii, 3i, 4i) 


TEXTS, READINGS, INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES, AND REFERENCES

Required Texts:

American Association of School Librarians (2009). Empowering Learners: Guidelines for school library media programs.  Chicago: American Library Association. 
                        (For use throughout the program)

Stephens, C.G. & Franklin, P. (2007). Library 101: A Handbook for the school library media specialist. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.
                        (Also for use in other courses in the program)

Wools, B. (2008). The School library media manager. 4th ed. Westport, CT: Libraries
            Unlimited.

Required Instructional Resource:   Tk20 Subscription
These are available at the University Bookstore or at http://westga.tk20.com/campustoolshighered/start.do.
If you have purchased a subscription previously, DO NOT re-subscribe. For more information about this resource, see http://www.westga.edu/coe/index_550.php.  For assistance, email tk20@westga.edu.


Suggested Texts:

American Psychological Association (2009). Publication Manual of the American Psychological
            Association (6th ed.). Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association.
                        (Go to UWG, click Library, click Research & Citation Guides at left; click
                        2.Citation Guide, click APA (American Psychological Association).)

References:

American Association of School Librarians. (n.d.). AASL position statements. Retrieved May 20, 2010, from http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/aaslproftools/positionstatements/aaslposition.cfm

Andronik, C. A. (ed.) ( 1999). School library management (5th ed.). Worthington, OH: Linworth

Baule, S. M. (1999). Facilities planning for school library and technology centers. Worthington, OH: Linworth.

Bradburn, F. (1999). Output measures for school library media programs. New York: Neal-Schuman.

Donham, J. (2008). Enhancing teaching and learning: A Leadership guide for school library media specialists (2nd ed.). NY: Neal-Schuman.

Downs, E. (2009). Media specialist’s policy & procedure writer. NY: Neal-Schuman.

Erikson, R. & Markuson, C. (2007). Designing a school library media center for the future (2nd ed.). Chicago: American Library Association.

Everhart, N. (1998). Evaluating the school library media center. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.

Farmer, L.S.J. (2001). Teaming with opportunity: Media programs, community constituencies, and technology. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.

Hallam, A.R. & Dalston, T.R. (2005). Managing budgets and finance. NY: Neal-Schuman.

Maine school libraries facilities handbook. (1999). Retrieved on May 20, 2010, from the Maine
            Association of School Libraries web site:
            http://maslibraries.org/resources/pubs/facilities/essentialAreas.html

Martin, B. S. & Zannier, M. (2009). Fundamentals of school library media management: A How-to-do-it manual. NY: Neal-Schuman.

Media specialist handbook (1990). Atlanta, GA: Georgia Department of Education.

Morris, B. J. (2004). Administering the school library media center (4th ed.). Westport, CT:
Libraries Unlimited.

Prostano, E. T., & Prostano, J. S. (1999). The school library media center (4th ed.). Littleton, CO: Libraries Unlimited.

Public Education Network & American Association of School Librarians. ( 2001). The Information-powered school. Chicago: American Library Association.

Repman, J. & Dickinson, G.K. (Eds.). (2007). School library management. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.

Salmon, S. et al.(1996) Power up your library: Creating  the school library media program. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.

Santa Clara County Office of Education, Library Services. (2001). Where do I start? A school library handbook. Worthington, OH: Linworth Publishing.

Simpson, C.M. (2005). Copyright for schools:  A Practical guide (4th ed.). Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.

Thelan, L. (2003). Essentials of elementary school library management. Worthington, OH: Linworth.

Web Sites:
American Association of School Librarians’ Website
eBoard Solutions (for school policies – select system, then go to “Policies” and select “Instructional program”…media centers should be located somewhere around “IFBD”)
Georgia Association of Information Technology Website
Georgia Department of Education Website
Georgia Standards
Georgia GALILEO
Georgia Library Media Association Website
Georgia Library Media Listserv
LM_NET
LM_NET Archives
O.C.G.A. - (Official Code of Georgia Annotated)  Search using "Natural Language" and code
    numbers (20-2-184, 20-2-181, 20-2-167, 20-2-1013, 24-9-46)

ASSIGNMENTS, EVALUATION PROCEDURES, AND GRADING

Assignments

The following are general descriptions of the projects required for the course. A more detailed description is provided with each project assignment at CourseDen. Please see the Class Outline for specific due dates.

Project 1― Readings (15%)
Selected readings from the texts and other sources, with related responses, will cover a range of topics in school library media center administration.
(Course Objectives 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13; teacher observation and postings)

Project 2 –Interview / LM_NET / Georgia Media Listserv Research (5%)
This project forms the basis for all other projects in this course. Examine specific functions and policies of the SLMP through interviewing a SLMS. You must research topics on LM_NET and/or Georgia Media listserv as well as interviewing a media specialist(s). You may conduct your interview as a group, but reports will be completed and submitted individually. Discuss budget development including funding issues, communication techniques with all stakeholders (student, faculty, parent, and community), facility planning, basic policies and procedures of administering the SLMP, current trends and issues including professional development and organizations, access to outside resources, cultural diversity and its impact on program development, copyright issues, and future goals. A clear understanding of these issues is essential in developing and administering a media program that will impact student achievement and lead to the development of lifelong readers. Include AT LEAST THREE (3) references in APA format (remember interviews are cited in text only, not in final reference listing). Interview/research write-up due to assignment dropbox. (See assignment information for detailed description of this project.) 
(Course Objectives 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13; disposition; teacher observation)

Project 3―Newsletter (8%)

Students will work individually to research and prepare a one page newsletter article on a topic related to the development or administration of libraries and school library media centers. These articles will be posted to the course wiki as a collection of newsletters for all class members. This assignment requires creativity to make it interesting to classmates. Include all references as a second page in APA format. The sign up for topics is located on the course wiki.  Responses to classmates will be posted in CourseDen discussion board.  (See assignment information for detailed description of this project.)
(Course Objectives: 1; Instructor Observation, peer observation, rubric) 

Project 4—Budget (7%)
Students will work individually to prepare a three-year budget that includes justifications for your allocation of funds. Your budget should be based on the interview with a SLMS. Prior to writing a budget, you must decide what your vision is for improving the media center in the next three years. A plan should accompany the budget that spells out in detail how the budget should meet the vision for the media center. Include all references in APA format. Due to assignment drop box. (See assignment information for detailed description of this project.)
(Course Objective: 7; Instructor Observation, peer observation, rubric)

Project 5Communications Article Critiques & Responses (10%)
Students will read two (2) articles (individual project) emphasizing the importance of interpersonal relationships and communication skills for library media specialists. Write a one to two page critique of each article: one section describing the content and one paragraph of evaluation and reaction. List complete bibliographic information (APA format) at the beginning of each critique. These critiques will be posted to CourseDen Discussion Board for small group discussion. In addition to posting article critiques, students MUST post legitimate responses to ALL postings in their group on the Discussion Board. (See assignment information for detailed description of this project.)
(Course Objective: 7; instructor observation, peer observation, rubric) 

Project 6—Facilities (10%)
Students will visit a media center/facility and talk to a media specialist about media center facilities. After interviewing the media specialist, you will develop a renovation plan, including floor plan and rationale for proposed changes. Students should use the drawing tools in PPT or Word to complete the floor plan. (For use of other tools, get approval from instructor.) Include all references in APA format. Due to assignment drop box. (See assignment information for detailed description of this project.)
(Course Objective 6: instructor observation, peer observation, rubric).

Project 7—Policies and Procedures Handbook (20%)

This assignment is designed to develop the foundations of a policies & procedures handbook that serves as a guideline for the day-to-day media center operation. In addition to providing useful information for new media specialists, substitutes, clerks, and volunteers, sections of this book can be included in student and faculty handbooks. This is the beginning of a handbook you will develop while you are at UWG. You will adjust page numbering as you “build” the handbook throughout your program. The fully completed Policies and Procedures Handbook must be available at your portfolio presentation at the conclusion of your program. You will submit portions of the Handbook as directed on the course syllabus. Include all references in APA format. In addition to handbook submissions, you will participate in online discussions (synchronous and/or asynchronous), as assigned. (See assignment information for detailed description of this project.)
(Course objectives 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 12; instructor observation, peer observation, rubric).

Project 8—Trends & Issues Debate (10%)
Students will develop a debate for the class. Sign up for the debate is located on the CourseDen home page. A one-page debate handout is due to the assignment drop box and the discussion board. Include a second page with all references in APA format. Opposing individuals will debate their topics in an online class session at the end of the semester. (See assignment information for detailed description of this project.)
(Course Objective 13; instructor observation, peer observation, rubric)

Project 9 – Field Experience, Formative Evaluation & Program Reflection (5%)
Post required field experience forms, formative assessment, program reflection, course evaluations.
(Course Objectives 1-13, instructor observation, FE forms)

Project 10―Class Participation, (10%)
Students are required to attend all scheduled face-to-face and online class sessions.
(Course Objectives 1-13)

Evaluation Procedures:


Students are evaluated in the following areas:

Activity


% of Final Grade

Type of Assessment

Date
Due
and Location

1. Readings 1 (Woolls’ Chapters 2-5); Readings 2 (Time Management); Readings 3 (Budget); Readings 4 (Facilities)
15%
Posting
To Assignment Drop Box:
Readings 1 – June 9
Readings 2 – June 14
Readings 3 – June 28
Readings 4 – July 5
2. Interview / LM_NET / Georgia Media listserv Research
5%
Checklist /
Portfolio
June 28 to DBoard and Assignment Drop Box; team discussion June 22-28
3. Newsletter (Woolls Chapter 1)
8%
Rubric
June 14 to DBoard and Assignment Drop Box;
Responses due by June 21
4. Budget (Woolls Chapter 9)
7%
Rubric
July 5 to Assignment Drop Box
5. Communications Article Critiques & Responses (Woolls Chapter 11)
10%
Rubric
July 12 to Discussion Board; Responses due by July 19
6. Facilities (Woolls Chapter 6)
10%
Rubric
July 12 to Assignment Drop Box
7. Policies and Procedures Handbook (Woolls Chapters 7,8,10,12)
20%
Rubric
To Assignment Drop Boxes: 1 – June 14
2 – June 21
3 – June 28
4 – July 5
5 – July 12
Wimba discussions: TBD
8. Trends & Issues Debate (Woolls Chapters 13,14)
10%
Rubric
Handout – July 17 to DB
Debate: week of July 19
9. Volunteer Experience Documentation, Formative Assessment,
Course Evaluation
5%
Posting
To Assignment Drop Boxes:
Volunteer experience July 19;
Formative Assessment (progress video) June 21
Course Evaluation posted by UWG and sent via myUWG
10. Participation, additional readings/assignments (TBD)

10%
Instructor Observation, rubric


Grading Policy:

The grading scale is as follows: 
                        A= 100-92%, B= 91-82%, C= 81-70%, F=69% and below.

CLASS, DEPARTMENT, AND UNIVERSITY POLICIES
Academic Honesty
Students are expected to adhere to the highest standards of academic honesty. Plagiarism occurs when a student uses or purchases ghostwritten papers. It also occurs when a student utilizes the ideas or information obtained from another person without giving credit to that person. If plagiarism or another act of academic dishonesty occurs, it will be dealt with in accordance with the academic misconduct policy as stated in the latest Connection and Student Handbook and the Graduate Catalog.

Disciplinary procedures described in the latest State University of West Georgia Connection and Student Handbook will be followed when violations take place. Infractions may include cheating, plagiarism, disruptive behavior, and disorderly conduct.



Class Attendance and Participation

Face-to-face class requirements

·      Students will attend and participate in all classes that are scheduled on campus, be prepared for each class by doing the assigned readings in advance, and have the appropriate materials required for class activities.
·      Absence from on-campus sessions will lower a student’s cumulative point total by 5 points. For example if you have 98% in class and miss one required class your final grade would be 93%. If you miss two classes your final grade would be 88%.
·      Failure to complete online assignments will also be counted as ‘class’ absences. Late assignments, for which there is no legitimate reason, will be assessed a 50% penalty per day. (Objectives # 1,2,3,4; disposition; teacher observation)

On-line class requirements:

Any student experiencing problems in using CourseDen should contact the Distance Office for assistance and the instructor immediately. The help line e-mail address is on page one of this syllabus as well as the distance office e-mail address and phone number. If this plan fails, call the Distance Learning Office and then the instructor for assistance. Do not wait to ask for help with CourseDen. Seek assistance immediately. Failure to complete online assignments and accesses will be counted as ‘class’ absences.

Since this is an online course (only one F2F meeting), you are responsible for monitoring your work time in order to complete and submit assignments by the established due dates. You can expect to receive feedback from your instructor in 48 hours or less via CourseDen email or returned phone calls.

Students will attend class (face-to-face and on-online) and be prepared with materials and readings according to the schedule indicated in the Tentative Class Outline, participate in any required CourseDen bulletin board discussions, and respond to topics presented. Note that Internet and CourseDen access is required.
(Course Objectives 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; Teacher Observation, CourseDen BB postings, Online chats)



Disability Policy
All students are provided with equal access to classes and materials, regardless of special needs, temporary or permanent disability, special needs related to pregnancy, etc. If you have any special learning needs, particularly (but not limited to) needs defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and require specific accommodations, please do not hesitate to make those known, either yourself or through the Coordinator of Disability Services. Students with documented special needs may expect accommodation in relation to classroom accessibility, modification of testing, special test administration, etc. For more information, please contact Disability Services at the University of West Georgia: http://www.westga.edu/studentDev/index_8884.php. Any student with a disability documented through Student Services is encouraged to contact the instructor right away so that appropriate accommodations may be arranged. In addition, certain accommodations (which will be discussed in class) are available to all students, within constraints of time and space.

Student Work

All student work submitted during the course is required to be original. Original means that the work is done this semester and has not been done by another person. All projects must be completed to be graded.

Questions that may be answered by classmates may be posted to the general questions discussion board. It is each student’s responsibility to read answers to questions on a regular basis because they may address common questions among class members.  Questions specifically for the instructor may be sent via CourseDen email.

Students are expected to research all assignments thoroughly, using books, audiovisual materials, and the Internet. All reference lists are to be done in APA style.

Students are expected to keep up with the SCOOP and registration deadlines.

Late Work

Students are expected to submit assignments on time. Valid reasons for submitting work late must be cleared by the instructors in advance. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the professor when extenuating circumstances take place. All assignments are due by 11:59 p.m. on the date due. Any assignments posted after 11:59 p.m. will be considered late.  Late assignments are subject to reduction in points, up to ½ credit.

Professional Conduct

Students are expected to conduct themselves professionally. Acting professionally is an essential quality for all candidates who will be working in the schools. Professionalism includes but is not limited to the following:
·      Participating in interactions and class activities in a face-to-face or online environment in a positive manner.
·      Collaborating and working equitably with students in the class.
·      Actively participating in class each week.
·      Turning in assignments on time.
·      Arriving at and leaving class punctually.
·      Treating class members, colleagues, and instructor with respect in and out of the classroom.
·      Eliminating interruptions in class. (This includes cell phones, beepers, and disruptive behavior during class meetings or during online chats).
·       
Students who display a lack of professionalism will be contacted by the instructor immediately after the violation takes place and informed of the consequences. If there is a second violation the student will meet with a departmental committee and may be dismissed from the program for at least one year.

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