I presented to my admin the question of whether they want to promote reading as enjoyable (21st Century lifelong skill) which leads to more reading and a more natural progression up the literacy ladder, or if they wanted to turn reading into a “subject” with no place for personal use. If the students are already struggling and you are limiting their access to reading program items, you are undercutting the goal at the start. There are enough “subject” reading opportunities and what is it about redefining the personal use library principles that will fiat reading growth? Bottom line is to reach a collaborative goal, and the library is a natural partner with enhancing reading through an environment rich with opportunities that move the student closer to the 21st Century goals. Are they so focused on the test that they are eliminating the intended use of a tool in hopes it can plug a leak? Libraries are not a cork, they are a platform.
From: daleyruhf@yahoo.com [mailto:daleyruhf@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thursday, February 02, 2012 3:21 PM
To: aaslforum@ala.org
Subject: [aaslforum] Talking to the Principal About FVR- Solicitation for Talking Points
So imagine this if you will....
You are a librarian in a very small school.
The middle school principal usually gets 21st century libraries and what they can offer.
In your short career there, he seems to be working with you.
Crappy reading test scores come back.
There is a push to bring in $$$ leveled readers ( & the library budget is thin! ) for the 5th graders.
There is talk of taking home backpack book kits of said readers.
You have 15 minutes of face time (tomorrow).
You want to discourage leveled readers and encourage more free voluntary reading (FVR) of self-selected books the kids actually like.
If big money is going to be spent on books, you want it to be for library books.
What are your talking points? (Help!)
Said principal likes bullet points and scholarly research.
You are already looking over Professor Krashen's site.
You read _The Power of Reading_ by Krashen.
You bought the new FVR book at Midwinter, but don't have time to read it tonight. (You are hoping for good quotes in its margins. )
Who has a favorite quote or fact or strategy to share?
Namaste,
Mary Fran Daley, MLIS
Small Town, NJ