Oops, forgot to tell you that I proposed using the Lexile numbers instead of reader programs. They eliminate any stigmas and we keep them in the electronic management system so that none of the books are “identified” on the shelf, however, when a student comes in we can look at his or her Lexile number and run a quick list of our collection in those ranges. This gives a boost to guided reader’s advisory. We also give control to the student by using conventions such as the five word rule (if you do not recognize five of the words on one page you will probably not enjoy the book). It is the teach the client to fish idea. We also always show books that push their reading level just a little to keep nudging them upward. Our literacy folks love the library approach and use us as a primary collaborative resource…especially for readers’ advisory issues. Our admin also really like what we are doing and has no desire to change the library. It is really nice being left alone and not being part of the “fix of the month’ club.
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