Speaking of new leadership…
…and no, as much as I wish this blog could be a forum for election politics, that is not an appropriate use of this space. But Rhode Islanders – and Rhode Island’s school librarians – are facing a new era of educational leadership: Peter McWalters, Commissioner of the Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, has announced that he is stepping down as of the end of June, 2009. The Department of Ed., in a news release dated October 6, 2008, has announced a series of public forums to gather information in preparation for finding McWalters’s replacement:
“To be successful in our search effort, we must solicit input from a broad array of
stakeholders from across the state,” said Regent Angus M. Davis, cochair of the committee. “The participation of many Rhode Islanders at our forums will inform the committee as we work to determine the essential qualities and qualifications our next Commissioner must possess.”
Ah, therein lies the bridge between the change in leadership to come and the opportunity for RIEMA members to have a chance to shape the direction the new leadership might take. After all, who doesn’t love a good public forum?
In that spirit, I invite members of the RIEMA community to use the comment section here to post your questions for the new Commissioner, whomever she or he might be. If you could direct your most pressing issues to the attention of the powers that be, what would you say? I can’t promise that your questions will get air time if you do not attend the forums yourself, but at least those who can attend can read your comments here and can try to add your voices to the mix.
[If you have never commented before and are unsure how, see the 'How to Comment' link at the top of the page. It's easy!]
Upcoming forum dates and locations are:
Thursday, October 23 – East Providence High School Auditorium
Wednesday, November 5th – Westerly High School Auditorium
Monday, November 10th – Warwick Veterans High School Auditorium
Thursday, November 13th – Davies Career & Technical Center Auditorium, Lincoln
All forums are scheduled to run from 4 to 6 p.m.
This impending change in leadership is an important bridge that our profession will have to cross. The greater our collective voice, the greater our chance to ensure that students throughout the state will continue to have access to the library services and programs upon which they rely. I hope to see you at one of the forum meetings, and in the meantime, I look forward to reading your comments on this important topic.
Oh, and you can read the Providence Journal article about Commissioner McWalter’s decision here.
In the meantime, get out there and circulate.
-Zach
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I feel that one of our most pressing questions is “When will the BEP be updated?” ! This is long overdue and should benefit schools, libraries, and school librarians. I am personally amazed that it has not been updated yet.
October 27, 2008
Comments on the Adoption of the Basic Education Program Regulations
May 12, 2009
Given by: Jacquelyn Lamoureux Library Media Specialist
34 Lantern Lane Greenbush Elementary School
North Kingstown, RI 02852 West Warwick, RI 02893
Past President, RI Educational Media Association (RIEMA)
Good evening and thank you for the opportunity to speak. As in many of you know I have been following and commenting on the revision process and was very interested in reading the regulations you are intending to adopt.
I am pleased at the 21st century approach which is philosophically similar to the American Association for School Librarians (AASL) Standards for the 21st Century Learner. The overall outcome for both documents is students becoming capable, creative and responsible lifelong learners. The BEP draft includes information literacy, independent learning and social responsible as part an effective Library and Media program. Elsewhere in the document the importance of integrating literacy (reading, writing and oral communication) as well as applied learning and the use of information and communication technology across all content areas is stated. That these are important components of the Library and Media program should be acknowledged and emphasized.
Language about Library-Media resources and an area that provides access to them is included in the proposed BEP. Why not call this a library or library media center?
I am aware that this BEP was developed to avoid what many perceive to be unfunded mandates and to allow the LEA’s the flexibility to develop plans which address their local situations. My biggest concern and I know many of my colleagues share this concern, is how the LEA’s will develop and maintain systems to accurately measure compliance with the Library and Media standards. What criteria will the LEA use to ensure that the library media program adequately address information literacy, independent learning and social responsibility? What criteria determine whether resources to do this are adequate?
The LEA’s are charged with the responsibility for recruiting, supporting and retaining highly effective staff. For Library and Media programs this means certified library media specialists, who education, training and continued professional development bring 21st century learning skills, dispositions and responsibilities to our children. Will LEA’s recognize this?
When the LEA’s develop their plans please endorse those which require library media professionals and programs that provide students with the essential literacy and critical thinking skills to become productive and informed citizens. RIEMA members are ready to contribute to establishing criteria and working to provide the best for our students.
May 13, 2009