School librarian preparation programs must prepare the twenty-first century school librarian to confront the evolving changes that are facing our profession. The need for change in our traditional roles to meet demands of our profession is evident, and we have opportunity to shape the change we seek by developing emergent school library leaders during their pre-service library education programs. In this study, the researchers surveyed a sample group of school librarians about their perceptions of leadership development within their graduate education program. The results of the study suggested that increased emphasis on leadership development in graduate school library programs will more effectively prepare school librarians for service as educational leaders, change agents in the curriculum and instructional process, and partners at both the local school and wider global communities.
In the United States of America, each year almost one -third of all public high school students drop out before graduating and receiving a diploma. School librarians can play a critical role in strengthening and improving the academic achievement of all students, but especially those who are at-risk of dropping out of school. In this article, students most at-risk of dropout are identified. A research-based framework to improve student achievement through dispositions of the school librarian, nurturing relationships and supportive environments, and effective instructional practices is identified. Practical suggestions about specific school library programs are made. The article concludes with a section on implications for practice and suggestions for further study.
Collaboration between special and general educators is not only essential; the 2004 Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA, 2004) mandates this collaboration. Special educators must forge partnerships with general educators to create inclusive school environments for all students. Although collaboration between these professionals has increased while they address such issues as accountability, achievement, and effective use of dwindling resources (Stayton & McCollum, 2002), these collaborative efforts often leave out a key player: The school librarian is this forgotten partner.General and special education teachers rely on the school library because of its diversity of resources, the positive association that it has for many students, and the perception that it is an environment conducive to individualized attention (Zambone, Smith Canter, Voytecki, Jeffs, & Jones, 2009). In addition, many educators use the library for a variety of other reasons, including the following:• Allows students to spend class time in the school library to complete individual or small-group projects.
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