The American Association of School Libraries has described four standards by which school library media specialist are judged. My time spent completing course work has prepared me to be proficient when I compare myself to the standards shown below. Each standard is key to one or more of the "Big Eight" assignments.
Standard 1: Use of Information and Ideas
School library media candidates encourage reading and lifelong learning by stimulating interests and fostering competencies in the effective use of ideas and information. They apply a variety of strategies to ensure access to resources and information in a variety of formats to all members of the learning community. Candidates promote efficient and ethical information-seeking behavior as part of the school library media program and its services.
Assessments: I-Search, Reading and Literacy Project, Order, Professional Development and Evaluation Plan, Collaborative Unit
Standard 2: Teaching and Learning
School library media candidates model and promote collaborative planning with classroom teachers in order to teach concepts and skills of information processes integrated with classroom content. They partner with other education professionals to develop and deliver an integrated information skills curriculum. Candidates design and implement instruction that engages the students' interests, passions, and needs which drive their learning.
Assessments: I-Search, Reading and Literacy Project, Internship
Standard 3: Collaboration and Leadership
School library media candidates provide leadership and establish connections with the greater library and education community to create school library media programs that focus on students' learning and achievement; encourage the personal and professional growth of teachers and other educators, and model the efficient and effective use of information and ideas.
Assessments: Reading and Literacy Project, Internship, Order, Professional Development and Evaluation Plan, Collaborative Unit
Standard 4: Program Administration
School library media candidates administer the library media program in order to support the mission of the school, and according to the principles of best practice in library science and program administration.
Assessments: Internship, Order, Professional Development and Evaluation Plan