Discussion of the preparation of personnel to work with gifted secondary students documents the need for special personnel preparation, preparation needs of the classroom teacher and of the gifted specialist, the need to upgrade general education personnel, and examples of some alternative personnel preparation strategies including modules,…

Continues a discussion of how library media specialists can become more organized. Topics include reducing the time spent dealing with paperwork by having someone else sort the mail; organizing paperwork by the use of folders and files; and desk space and other appropriate furniture, including space for computers. (LRW)

Describes the work of a task force to revise public health nursing curriculum that combined the expertise of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and specialty organizations. Discusses the current state of community/public health nursing and the model used to identify core professional knowledge and values underpinning the curriculum.…

Describes mentoring programs for new school library media specialists based on experiences in two urban school systems in Georgia. Discusses criteria for the selection of mentors; support meetings; funding to compensate mentors; the role of administrators; and evaluating mentoring programs. (LRW)

The term "authentic" refers to the genuine, real, and true. Authentic learning involves exploring the world, asking questions, identifying information resources, discovering connections, examining multiple perspectives, discussing ideas, and making informed decisions that have a real impact. An authentic learning environment is engaging for…

One of the major questions that classroom teachers wrestle with is what strategy or method to use when teaching their students. This is a question that plagues school library media specialists also. One of the theories that library media specialists are finding to be effective as they teach information literacy skills is Howard Gardner's theory…

How can a young media specialist not only survive but thrive during their first year on the job? What do you need to know about working with an experienced staff? In this article, the author provides some strategies that helped the author earn his colleagues' respect. Sections include: (1) Listen and Learn; (2) Take the Terror out of Technology;…

Asynchronous computer-mediated discussions with specialists in particular fields can lead students to more careful analysis and critique of survey data, case studies, concepts, opinions, and conflicting interpretations, as well as comparison of experiences, self-revelation, self-critique, and formation of personal sensitivities. This article gives…

Musicians and visual artists are appointed to work as specialist teachers in Cypriot primary schools because of their artistic expertise. However, little information is available concerning these artists and their work in schools, including the perceptions of the pupils. This paper reports on an investigation into the nature of the pupils'…

A library media specialist should be involved in understanding the curriculum and the content area standards in the school, school district and the state, which would help the library media specialists to assist in planning, collaboratively teaching and co-evaluating with the classroom teachers. The library media program can become an integral…

Principals should change their traditional evaluating methods while evaluating the library media specialists who also have to serve as a teacher or assume other additional responsibilities and adopt evaluation methods similar to those used for teachers. The "prep" period librarians provide a way to continue the method of instructing students in…

The importance and work of Library Media Specialists is discussed where they help teach students to be information literate. The Library Media Specialist also helps to find answers to questions and help find resources to support instruction in the classroom, working with students to use technology in the library media center, the computer lab, and…

Data that is meaningful and purposeful is collected to assess the state of our library media programs, services and policies. The way in which one can develop the skills required to collect, analyze, interpret, present, and use data is presented.

Library media specialists can help achieve several goals of the No Child Left Behind Act. Of particular importance is helping students to achieve high test scores, as this would influence the level of federal funds meted out to schools.

Media specialists are now in charge of computers, printers, software programs and every other technological advancement, as technology have become an important aspect of education. The key points to be kept in mind while promoting technology in the media center are stated.