Library Information Services
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Department Staff

Spring Branch Independent School District
Dr. Barry M. Bishop
9016 Westview
Houston, TX, 713-365-5616

TLA School Administrators' Mini-Conference
Strong Libraries, Strong Scores

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The email below is from Marla [presenter]. Last week she had already received two requests to work with districts concerning her presentation at conference. This is good news and wanted you to know about it.

Responses from Administrators who attended the
Mini-Conference

Responses from Librarians whose Administrator attended the
Mini-Conference

Questions asked: 1. As a result of the information presented, have you taken any actions that you might not have taken had you not attended?
2. As a result of the information presented, has your attitude changed any about your Librarian?

Questions asked: 1. As a result of the information presented, has your administrator taken any actions that she might not have taken had she not attended?
2. As a result of the information presented, has your administrator's attitude changed any about you?

Aldine - Alpha Omega Cruz - Librarian

*Clear Creek ISD – Janis Jarvis – Small Learning Community Project Manager  

Thank you for inviting me to the meeting. It was well planned and interesting!

1. At the high schools in CCISD, we implemented smaller learning communities (SLC) in August 2005. After attending the presentation and working with Ty Burns, we are including the librarians in the SLCs. Because we are a large district, the librarians plan to work across the district with teachers in each SLC. They have already provided a wealth of knowledge in current information about each SLC and we have received positive feedback from staff members.

2. I have always believed the librarian to be an integral part of the school, but seeing all the new and different ways they can be used as part of the instructional process was great. We are inviting the librarians to be part of the development of our integrated curriculum workshops this summer. They will work with the core teachers as they determine the 'Power TEKS' and provide resources in the creation of the lessons. We are very excited about this partnership!

Thanks again for inviting me!

Bay City ISD – Stacey Mackenzie – Librarian

1.Having my principal attend was the best move ever.  He and I have not sat down to discuss all the ideas he got from this, he put me an aide in the library to allow me time to do library lessons and work with teachers. He wants me to incorporate parents into our library in conjunction with a toddler reading program that I want to start. He did increase my budget, but the school board has not approved it. I had to laugh, he told the staff he learned a new word, "library media specialist". :)

2. I had respect from my administrator, but now I have understanding of the importance of my role in the school.

I highly recommend all administrators attend. I encouraged him next year to visit the exhibits.   Thank you,

Clear Creek ISD – Jane Kelling – Principal

1. No

2. Yes, I'm expecting to see more team teaching and collaboration in the upcoming year.

*Clear Creek ISD – Ty Burns – Library Director (Nominator)

1. The Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum has stated that she needs my department to be more involved in the long term plans and implementation of district goals and benchmarks. She definitely agreed that we need more money to up date our aging collections and collections that have a low number of items according to the student ratio.

2. They are wanting to include me in more areas of curriculum planning. We are waiting to see what comes out of these statements.

Clear Creek ISD – Dean Muths – Principal

1.  Haven't made any moves, but definitely wouldn't consider decreasing staff or budget because of my conference.

2.  I have made moves to integrate our library staff into our leadership team.

Clear Creek ISD – Camille Neely Sullivan – Librarian

1. I have been allowed now to have flexible scheduling for all grades except Kindergarten which I will still see every week.  I think the few grumbles she heard from "old school" teachers about not coming every week for a story is now balanced with her ability to tell them why they don't need a story, but rather a TEKS based lesson.  This past year I had been allowed to go to flexible scheduling in grades 3 - 5 and not everyone was happy, but I think she understands the reasoning behind my decision much better now and that is why she's allowed me to extend the flex schedule to all grades except Kinder.

2. My principal has always looked upon me favorably, but she has started asking me for more input in regards to preparations for next year which I am excited about. 
I also want to add that my principal told me that the workshop she attended at TLA was probably the best and most useful workshop she'd gone to in 20 years, which I think says a great deal about what we accomplished that day! 

*Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD – Denise Rhodes – Principal

1.  My librarian's budget remains "healthy", with an increase for the '06-07 school year. 
2.  While my librarian was elected to the campus improvement team last year, I told her that she would be a member appointed by me every year as she is vital to operations of the school.  My attitude did not change about her, however, as I've always counted on her as a leader on my campus.

Cy-Fair ISD – Jessica Hughes – Library Director (Nominator)

1. None other than a note on the materials y'all gave him saying that he attended it.

2. No.

Kingsville ISD – Michael McClure – Principal

1. Our head librarian serves on the committee responsible for developing the campus budget.

As a result of the conference, we have begun brainstorming additional roles that our library can play in the lives of students who visit the library facility only when required to do so to complete a class assignment. In addition, we are considering expanding the teaching role of the library staff.

2. Our library staff already serve integral roles in all three of the above.

Friendswood ISD – Susan Morken – Librarian

My principal said that she thought the conference was good, but has not told me anything beyond that, nor has she initiated any actions pro or con having to do with the library.  This may be because she is extremely busy with end-of-the-year events, including graduation.  I hope to be able to talk with her over the summer.

Lamar Consolidated ISD – Bonnie Walker – Executive Director of Curriculum
We are working on how to bring our libraries into the 22nd century. The conference gave me some resources to pursue to help guide our efforts. It was interesting to hear all of the ways that were suggested to use librarians, especially in light of their constant telling us they already have too much to do. It highlighted our need to learn how to "work smarter rather than harder.

Harmony ISD – Pam Beall – Librarian

1. My budgeting decisions are decided by the superintendent and board of trustees, but my principal, did purchase several books for the library's collection and plans to strongly encourage that each classroom teacher plan at least 1-2 collaborative units with the library each school year.

2. My administrator has always been very supportive of the library program.  This year we implemented a flexible schedule in the elementary library and I received quite a lot of resistance from a couple of grade levels.  When the principal fielded complaints about the decision, she let them know that the programs was for the improvement of our campus and not just a whim!  Attending the conference did give her some insight to how other districts are utilizing a flexible schedule.

*Lamar Consolidated ISD – Diana Freudensprung – Principal

1. One of our librarian's frustration was the amount of time spent on checking out books..  She will now be on a more flexible schedule, participate in the dept. meetings, supervise the para-professionals working in our two computer labs and become part of the campus professional development plan.

2. Attitude change? No. She has always been a part of the front office team.

*Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD – Kiera Elledge – Librarian

1. My principal was extremely impressed with the conference and came away even more amazed at everything a library media specialist does.  She has fully supported the new library curriculum, which will necessitate changes in everyone's schedules.  Budget figures have not been released yet, but she did hint that she had given additional monies to the library coffers.  We'll see!!!

2. My principal has always given me complete control in library matters - as a result of this conference, she has also moved more technology responsibilities to me and appointed me to be on the Campus Improvement Committee.

Lamar Consolidated ISD – Richard Amick – Principal

I did enjoy attending the min-conference in April. 

1. I feel like I have always put the library on a top priority with budget  issues.  I was, however, able to add $6000 to this year's budget for additional new books.

2. Our librarian has always been very active in our literacy efforts.  As a result of the conference, I will utilize her knowledge of technology in a broader scope.

La Porte ISD – Anne LeBoy – Librarian

The Mini-Conference was a great experience for my administrator and I think it will have a positive impact on my school's library program in the future.  One of the main reasons I nominated my principal was that my aide was cut last year and this had an extremely negative impact on our library program.  I tried to make my principal aware of the importance of a well staffed library, and while I know she listened to what I had to say, hearing all the marvelous presentations at the mini-conference made a huge impression on her.  She has put in for an aide next year, and while that may not happen, at worst there will be aides from other departments rotating into the library throughout the day.  While this is not an ideal situation, it will free me up to spend more time meeting with teachers and working with students.  I have always had a voice in the decision making at my school, but with no help in the library this past year, I have been too busy with clerical responsibilities to have made much of an impact.  I am looking forward to a better year next year, in part because of the mini-conference.  Thank you for doing such a wonderful job of getting the word out of the importance of libraries to the people who need to hear it the most!

Magnolia ISD – Suzanne Gerczak – Principal

1. Tried to increase library budget. Changed librarian's schedule.

2. We have added our librarian to our leadership team.

*Lamar Consolidated ISD – Diane Anderson – Librarian

The conference made a huge impact on my administrator. First of all, she came back immediately requesting we change to a flex schedule as opposed to the fixed schedule we have had for years.  Wow! Secondly, she is supporting a more active collaborative approach between the librarian and teachers. Wow!  Both of these issues are what I have worked towards the five years I have been at this school. I was making progress, but very slow progress.  In one day, everything changed.  Thank you for the excellent mini-conference. The impact was incredible.

*Mansefield ISD – Claude Cunningham – Assistant Superintendent 

1. We have required that each campus budget funds from their campus allocation to support their libraries.  We have also redirected some federal dollars to the campus libraries on a per pupil basis.

2. No

Lamar Consolidated ISD – Joan Weithorn – Librarian
Question 1---My principal, Mr. Tomas, is very fair in my budget and has fought for more library staffing. I do think the conference gave him a new-renewed respect for the library and its services and we can all use refreshing now and then.
Question 2-After the conference he called me in and told me how much he appreciate the day-being allowed to hear the guest speaker-Julie Andrews and then a concise-well-prepared presentation plus time to visit with other principals about library issues with lunch served-he was most impressed with the whole organization. He also told me in a hand written note that he learned that a school librarian should be a powerful teacher, not someone who simple checks out books or manages resources. The librarian can and should be collaborating with the classroom teacher to fuse information and technology skills into and across the curriculum. I'm sure he was quoting someone or some handout but he ended his note that he felt I truly do this and he always appreciate me but even more so now.
I hope this program continues---always bringing in admin but also maybe a phase 2 for those that have attended the first session--what they can be doing to help the library program.......Well done and thank you to those involved with the planning and presentation of this program.

North East ISD – Beth Plummer – Trustee

1. No - I am a school board member and feel that those initiatives are better coming from the administration.
2. Again, these actions are not in my purview.
 I am grateful for the opportunity to attend the conference and found it interesting.  Thanks!

*Mansfield ISD – Jennifer Riker – Librarian  

1. No there has been no actions taken.

2.There has been a change in attitude. My administrator posted in his blog the value of a collaborating librarian / teacher toward test scores. Through the grapevine I've heard has spoken with some of the curriculum co-ordinators. Lastly he wanted to get copies of Loertscher's Ban the Bird Unit books to share with several administrators.  For my district these are very positive changes.

*Northside ISD ­– Maggie Alvarado – Principal

Yes, to both. I really enjoyed the conference and would love to have a two day session for administrators next year.  I have come back and have begun making changes with my librarian for next year. ;-)

*Northside ISD – Anita Cortez – Librarian

Thank you for selecting our campus principal to attend the mini conference on strong libraries.

She and I have met and we have made great plans for next year!

1. We have re-evaluated our library schedule. No longer is it a conference period for teachers to drop off their students in the library. We will be addressing critical thinking skills in our units. 

2. As a result of this conference her attitude has changed involving me more in curriculum mapping, and curriculum decisions.

Once again, thank you.

Pasadena ISD – Susan Jennings – Librarian

1. YES - the library budget was increased for the 2006-2007 school year.

2. 2. NA - my administrator has always treated me with the utmost professionalism. She more often that not tells me YES for whatever I ask -extra funds, additional computers for the library, personal days off, personal time away from the library. But she also knows that I do not abuse this privilege and I usually work extra days.

My principal, Stephanie Wright, thoroughly enjoyed the Administrator's Conference. Thank you for including my administrator! She was very impressed with TLA.

Pearland ISD – Kim Radous Ochoa – Principal

1. Library budget was increased.  I have made an effort to spend more time in the library.

2. We already have a great relationship with our librarian and I consider her a valuable instructional leader on my campus. She already is a member of the site-based decision making team.

Pasadena ISD – Silvia Sandoval – Librarian

1. She understands that the library should be on a flexible schedule.  My library budget will remain the same, but it is a good budget.  The staff issue has come up, but with tight budgets, I don't think I will be getting more help.

2. Yes, she knows what an important role I play in the success of the students.  She was also surprised at how the expectations of the librarian have increased in which we no longer are just storytellers, we teach technology, research, etc.

Randolph Field ISD – Karen Bessette – Principal

1. Our district has a strong commitment to our library.  Attending the conference served as an important reminder to me of the value of our library and our staff.
2. Yes - I do plan to use her more as a resource person - team teaching to address study/research skills, etc.
Thanks so much for allowing me to attend - it was very worthwhile, and it gave me the opportunity to show my librarian that I appreciate her and acknowledge her contributions!

Sheldon ISD – Vickey Giles – Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services

I have continued to encourage the principals in my district to hire certified librarians. Our middle school has now hired a certified librarian instead of the paraprofessional they had last year. I have always felt that the librarian was important; however, now I have some research to back up what I say to principals and the central office leadership team.

Pearland ISD – Deborah McComb – Librarian

1. As a result of my principal attending the mini-conference, she did not allow me to be put on the elective rotation as was suggested to her by the counselors.  This would have required me to teach 3 classes each afternoon and the library would have been closed to the rest of the school.  She said it went against everything she had heard at the conference.  She came to me to talk to me about this and then told me I would not be doing it.

 2. As seen in the above, she came to talk to me about this suggestion before the final decision was made. 

I am so thankful my principal got to attend this conference!!!  Thank you for offering it!!!

Spring Branch ISD – Cindy Maiorana – Librarian

She did speak to me about flexible scheduling and maybe trying it again. I don't think there was a change of attitude. She usually consults with me about my budget, offers me any extra monies that she might have, and still looks at me as a "teacher" on our campus.

*Ysleta ISD – Rick Bentley – Associate Superintendent

1. I had the opportunity to meet with all the District Librarians after the meeting and have strongly encouraged the development of an action plan to inspire and educate principals and asst principals about the potential role of the librarian. Set in motion although the wheels are not spinning yet a discussion to include librarians as a part of our resource identification cadre as we develop curriculum documents.

2. Attitude has been and will remain positive about our librarians.  The conference reinforced this belief.

Spring Branch ISD – Tammy Holley – Librarian

1. We are planning to talk about re-evaluating my schedule. She has also talked about increasing my budget for next year.

2. I think she was impressed with what I am already doing and is very supportive of ideas to improve our library program.

Spring Branch ISD – Cheri Jantzen – Librarian

Since I am leaving, I haven't seen a change toward me per se. However, I suspect that Lynda is thinking differently about libraries as she hires and prepares to work with another librarian next year. I do know that she thought her day was very well spent learning more about this position and its role in the school.

Ysleta ISD – Isela Walls – District Librarian

1. Mr. Richard Bentley, Associate Superintendent of Academics for our District, attended the Mini-conference. He has always supported our libraries; but after attending the conference, he came back with a desire to implement a more focused approach to strengthen our library programs district-wide.
His attendance motivated him to take a more proactive role and impact the role of libraries at the campuses. Our first step is to have a special training/informational session day for principals. It will be our goal to have administrators broaden their view of the role of the librarian and the library at their campus, understand the instructional impact that the library program can have, and with their help, develop a strategic plan to fully take advantage of all library resources.
Thank you for offering our administrators the opportunity to hear from the top leaders in the field. It has really made a difference!
2. As a result of attending the conference, our Associate Superintendent has asked that librarians be included in the district-wide curriculum alignment and scope and sequence development to ensure that library resources and librarian curriculum support is included in district-wide curriculum requirements (something we had been asking for a long time).

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Page edited - 09/27/2010

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