The mission of the library media program in Edmond Public Schools is to enable students and faculty to become independent, lifelong learners in a rapidly changing technological and culturally diverse society. To accomplish this mission the library media specialist and classroom teachers work cooperatively to teach students how to locate, select, evaluate, interpret, organize, and communicate the information relevant to Edmond's educational goals.
Information literacy skills are taught as an integral part of curriculum content in math, science, social studies, language arts, and reading. The classroom teacher and media specialist provide opportunities for students to use information literacy skills in the completion of class assignments, challenges, natural inquiry, and school-wide-programming in order to become effective users of ideas and information. Information and technology skills are important throughout life and have a direct impact on an individual's ability to deal effectively with a changing environment.
The information and literacy skills to be taught in grades one through five are based on the State Department of Education's Priority Academic Student Skills. Desired student competencies are measured in a state-mandated test yearly. This assessment is used to convey the integration of the library program with the instructional mission of the school and may justify adjustments needed in evaluation student learning. Assessment procedures are continuous as they reflect the ongoing process of student learning. The students demonstrate competency through actual processes and products. A major component of performance assessment is the ability of the student to perform in a "real-life context."
The Student will:
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identify and locate a variety of information sources.
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use information in various formats.
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record and organize information to meet the stated need.
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communicate information effectively in various formats.
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recognize literature as an essential base of cultural and practical knowledge.
The library media program is vital in the promotion of literacy by placing strong emphasis on reading and writing. Children are given occasions to share literature-based activities which are integrated with the classrooms' curriculum that stress the enjoyment of reading and it's inter-relationship to the writing process.
During visits to the "Story Area" the students are read to and listen to quality literature, participate in reader's theater and storytelling, listen and create music, view video tapes, access the internet, etc. They have book talk experiences, learn about authors and illustrators and share a sampling of various genre. They also participate in author programs, considering both student interest and level of difficulty.
There are several reading promotions throughout the year, such as, Frog and Toad Fan Club, Sequoyah Children's Book Award, Literacy Day, Young Reader's Day, Read Across America Day, Children's Book Week, National Library Week, Book Fairs and so forth, to involve the children in local, state-wide and national reading programs in order to provide additional opportunities to practice the reading and writing connection. Those events are communicated through the children, school newsletter, Clegern Sunshine Time, and Parent Volunteers.
A partnership is essential to the accomplishment of this mission. Administrators, library media specialist, classroom teachers, students, and parents are the partners in the shared goal of providing successful learning experiences for all students. The PTA has been a strong supporter of the library media program with the organization of Parent Volunteers. Those Parent Volunteers provide the necessary assistance in the daily management of library routines. The PTA has also been a strong support financially to Clegern's long-range technological advances and those programs which deal directly with the curriculum.
The library media center serves the entire school. Children of different ages and classes use the facility at the same time and in many different ways. Class visits to the library media center are scheduled to facilitate use at the point of need. Library media center creed and procedures are practiced daily, and the children are encouraged to take charge of their own learning and be responsible for their own behavior. Students are encouraged to realize their potential as informed citizens who think critically and solve problems, to observe rights and responsibilities, and to appreciate the value of literature and recreational media in the life of an educated society.