The Turnaround School Library Program

The Perspective of Gozitan Teachers on Factors Affecting Students’ Achievement

“…With special reference to this research study, the focus is on three main factors which underlie the student variables, the teacher variables and the school variables Marzano (2003) stated that the most significant factors affecting students" academic achievement has always been the background characteristics of students. Similarly, Jones and Zambone (2009) declare that ""… a supportive home environment; learned intelligence; and sufficient background knowledge and experience"" (p.236) are dynamics which fall under the student level. Contrary to this, McCoach, Goldstein, Behuniak, Reis, Black, Sullivan and Rambo (2010) regarded characteristics related to the learners" background, such as language, socioeconomic status and ethnicity as predictors of academic achievement.…”

Dropout Prevention through the School Library: Dispositions, Relationships, and Instructional Practices

“…The demographic imperative (Banks et al, 2005) requires school librarians to take action to ensure that all students achieve. School librarians who exhibit certain dispositions become turnaround school librarians and build turnaround school library programs (Jones & Zambone, 2009). Turnaround is the term Benard (1993) uses to identify practices and behaviors that move students along the pathway from risk to resilience.…”

“…Likewise, the importance of instruction and how people learn is rooted in relationships (Dewey, 1902(Dewey, /1990. School librarians promote literacy best when they know their students and can provide them with the right books at the right times (Jones & Zambone, 2009). Additionally, when school librarians know their students they can develop information literacy lessons that are meaningful and interesting because they are built around their authentic questions and concerns.…”