INTEROFFICE MEMORAND UM

TO: FROM: SUBJECT: DATE: CC:

DARRELL HERRING LESLIE HICKS MEDIA CENTER EVALUATION 9/9/2012 KEARA RUBIN

MEDIA CENTER EVLUATION 2012-2013

Based on the Library Media Program Self-Evaluation Rubric provided by the Georgia Department of Education, I have found that the River Ridge High School (RRHS) Media Center was exemplary in the following areas for Category 1 Student Achievement and Instruction: Information Literacy Standards are integrated into content instruction and AASL Standards for the 21st Century Learner are integrated into content instruction. Collaborative planning includes both Library Media Specialists and teachers to ensure use of library media center resources that support on-going classroom instruction and implementation of state curriculum and GPS and CCGPS. o This is accomplished through the use of the Collaborative Planner worksheet used by the media specialist and teachers.

Professional library media staffs are engaged in active teaching role/s. The library media center resources encourage and support reading, viewing, and listening. o River Ridge High School has one of the highest circulation rates in Cherokee County.

Services are provided to students who have diverse learning abilities, styles, and needs. Student achievement is routinely assessed o o Many times this is done verbally during the lesson with students or afterwards with the teacher. Students can also post electronic, written feedback comments via the Library Guides Pathfinders that are on the Media Center website.

Based on the Library Media Program Self-Evaluation Rubric provided by the Georgia Department of Education, I have found that the River Ridge High School Media Center was exemplary in the following areas for Category 2 Staffing: 7a. A school system shall provide no less than half-time services of a Library Media Specialist for each school less than base size and shall provide adult supervision in the library media center for the entire instructional day. o There is a second Media Specialist who splits her time between River Ridge High School and Woodstock High School.

Based on the Library Media Program Self-Evaluation Rubric provided by the Georgia Department of Education, I have found that the RRHS Media Center was proficient in the following areas for Category 2 Staffing: 7b. A school system shall employ a fulltime Library Media Specialist for each base size school or larger. o Due to the fact that RRHS is a four year old school it is not large enough yet to employ two fulltime Media Specialist.

Based on the Library Media Program Self-Evaluation Rubric provided by the Georgia Department of Education, I have found that the River Ridge High School Media Center was exemplary in the following areas for Category 3 Facilities, Access, and Resources: School library media center square footage requirements based on FTE. Streaming video is used throughout the school to support the curriculum. Interactive whiteboards and computers are used for teaching and learning throughout the school. A central electronic media distribution system is also available. Print and non-print resources and access to online information are basic to a library media program. A school network is effective for delivering media resources to the classroom and beyond. Multiple computers are available for student access to online resources that enhance instruction. All library media resources are managed for maximum efficient use: The library media center has an electronic online public access catalog. Funds for acquisition of computer are utilized to implement the goals/objectives set forth in the State Technology Plan 2007-2012 or in the System Comprehensive School Improvement Plan.

Based on the Library Media Program Self-Evaluation Rubric provided by the Georgia Department of Education, I have found that the RRHS Media Center was proficient in the following areas for Category 3 Facilities, Access, and Resources: There shall be a plan for flexibly scheduled library media center access for students and teachers in groups or as individuals simultaneously throughout each instructional day.

Accessibility shall refer to the facility, the staff, and the resources and shall be based on instructional need. o The key difference that did not qualify RRHS Media Center was that evening hours are not scheduled for instructional needs of students and families. Evening events are held in the Media Center, such as meetings, but instructional time and access for students is not. A survey will be sent out to see if this is a need students and their families have. Based on those results, hours may be scheduled.

Based on the Library Media Program Self-Evaluation Rubric provided by the Georgia Department of Education, I have found that the RRHS Media Center was basic in the following areas for Category 3 Facilities, Access, and Resources: The GALILEO Virtual Library provides Georgia students and teachers access to exceptional on-line resources at no cost to the local school district. o No professional development has been provided for GALILEO. Due to budget constraints, this professional development may not be available. Other databases are utilized.

Based on the Library Media Program Self-Evaluation Rubric provided by the Georgia Department of Education, I have found that the River Ridge High School Media Center was exemplary in the following areas for Category 4 Administrative Support: The local system superintendent shall appoint a system media contact person to serve as the liaison to the department. Administrative staffs support at both the school and district level is essential for the development of a strong library media program. Each local board of education shall adopt a library media policy that provides for the establishment of a media committee at the system level and at each school. A library media committee makes recommendations and decisions relating to planning, operation, evaluation, and improvement of the library media services and develop a multi-year media plan for budget services and priorities. o o Cherokee Association of Media Professionals (CHAMPS) is the county committee. RRHS has a committee that is joined with the Technology committee.

Local Board approved library media policy is current. This policy requires development of procedures for the school system and for selecting materials locally, handling requests for reconsideration of materials, considering gifts of instructional resources, using nonschool owned materials and complying with the copyright law. o This is done through an annual report.

Staff development opportunities are available both for the library media staff to enhance their own professional knowledge and for the library media staff to provide information and technology literacy skills to other teachers and administrative staff. Professional resources and services for all faculty members are provided in the library media center for the learning community.

Based on the Library Media Program Self-Evaluation Rubric provided by the Georgia Department of Education, I have found that the RRHS Media Center was proficient in the following areas for Category 4 Administrative Support: Each local school system shall spend 100 percent of the funds designated for library media center costs. o The key component keeping RRHS from being exemplary was the use of bonds, grants, and business partnerships. The goal is that as the school grows these components will fall into place.

Category 6 Other: RRHS is the first school in the Cherokee County to provide i-Pads for student check out, with a signed permission and acceptable use policy form. o Students may check out the i-Pad for one week and it is to be used only as an educational learning tool.