Presents an interview (edited into a first-person form) with Margot Benacerraf, known for two prize-winning films in the 1950s but not as well known for her active promotion of film culture in Venezuela. Discusses her education in Venezuela, travels outside Venezuela, production of her prize-winning films, and her efforts at promoting the…

Determines the role of elementary and secondary library media specialists in (1) promoting reading growth; (2) assisting classroom teachers; and (3) teaching reading skills and strategies. Compares actual and ideal responsibilities of school library media specialists. (RS)

Briefly discusses the six National Goals for Education and America 2000 and presents a paper prepared by the American Association of School Librarians called "Implementing the National Goals for Education through School Library Media Programs." Suggestions for library media specialists are included, and materials prepared by the…

Surveys teachers and librarians. Offers eight tips on the library and media services which help promote exemplary reading programs. (SR)

Defines the emerging role of the newborn developmental specialist as one which provides interdisciplinary leadership, education, mentoring, and system change skills necessary for comprehensive developmental programs and describes the training and experience necessary for this advanced practice position. (Author/CR)

Offers a critical response to the British Teacher Training Agency's two consultation documents on special-educational-needs-specialist teachers. The critique addresses the proposed standards, the definition of a specialist teacher, the value of standards, effective services, core standards, the deficit model of specialist standards, and delivery…

Provides a list of teacher-training programs to prepare educators for teaching children with hearing impairments, a list of programs of advanced study for professional specialists, and programs for training interpreters of sign language. Programs are listed by state. (CR)

Offers ideas for activities that elementary school library media specialists can use in the beginning of the year to welcome students back and reacquaint them with library rules and procedures. Describes songs, group activities, treasure hunts, games, and poster design for older students. (LRW)

Describes the Jerusalem Film Center and the background, history, and organization of the Wim Van Leer Competition which was established for young filmmakers in high school. Describes the Jerusalem Film Festival, film studies programs at Israeli high schools, and future possibilities. (Author/LRW)

Discussion of "Information Power," endorsed by the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) and by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), focuses on assessing student outcomes in information literacy by school library media specialists. Describes collaborative, comprehensive, concrete, and…

Presents seven points related to the following research finding: teacher-librarians are motivated to pursue continuing professional education by a desire to gain new knowledge and skills, particularly through meeting and consultation with colleagues. (AEF)

Active participation in professional associations can make a positive difference in a librarians' careers. Associations are relevant sources of current information where effective communication and leadership skills are learned or enhanced and a sense of professional community is nurtured. The impact of active participation in professional…

Describes how technology changes the nature of the school media specialist's job, and discusses staff and equipment sources of techno-stress. Notes the importance of anticipating problem areas and planning to deal with them in advance. Presents strategies for minimizing the amount of frustration/stress associated with technology. (AEF)

Updates a 1994 report on school library staffing, highlighting states with the best and worst student/librarian ratios, states requiring full-time certified library media specialists, states with site-based management, states replacing librarians with technology specialists. Lists states requiring full-time specialists for elementary,…

Presents tables that contain the most current data available on media specialist certification requirements in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Educational program, experience, recommendation, minimum test scores, knowledge in various subject areas, competencies, and practicums are listed. (Author/LRW)