Chapter 2
Part 3 - Persistent Challenges in Collaboration between Learning Specialist and Teaching Staff
and
Part 4 – Implications for the School Library Media Specialist
The quote from Ellen Guiney (2001) says it all: “This is not work for the faint-hearted.”
When looking at the things that impact our effectiveness in building this collaboration framework, I am most challenged by the reflection and adaptability piece, but realize that it is absolutely essential. I found myself thinking, “Who are the people I need to talk with about my effectiveness in presenting lessons; teaching skills; etc.? Would teachers be more honest with me face-to-face or responding to an online survey? How will I best obtain the feedback I need to improve?” [That “dead right” story hit a bit too close to home. I like to be right, but I usually admit my mistakes.]
When the authors present the concept of working with all staff in transparent, consistent and reasonable ways, It resonates with me…
BUT… I think there needs to be a validation from our administrators (top down) in order for this to become reality. (I am sorry that we haven’t initiated a meeting with Garry Stone about this.)
THEN, we’re going to need to “work our tails off” to demonstrate that we are familiar with “research-based” learning principles, the curriculum, the learning gaps in our district, and how to reach our students.
I would say it is essential for us as a department to meet with our counterpart “learning specialists.” Too often I live in an adversarial mindset. I need to cleanse that image and move into “If we do not hang together, we shall surely hang separately” (Paine) mindset.
Once again we are confronted with the idea that we’ve heard Allison Zmuda speak: if our busy tasks are not tied to authentic learning, we are not doing the work we’ve been hired to do. The biggest challenge for me is developing the process which will turn the busy-ness around. I found that the tables 2.2 and 2.3 (the book is all marked up now) were helpful in considering the problems and thinking about strategies… absolutely loved the connections to Data Mentor and Atlas. I see clearly where these educational tools can serve us well. When we share face-to-face at our next meeting, I’m looking forward to dissecting the charts more completely.
And lastly, I’m building a whole list of action steps (from table 2.3 and other areas of the chapter)… trying to put them in manageable size pieces… and projecting completion dates for them. So far, the process is leaving me energized (much better than the “overwhelmed” depression feeling).
