[LM_NET] Elem---FIXED vs FLEXschedules---> 'best practices' are also 'impossible practices'.

[Robert Joyce <robert@GCRONLINE.COM>]

Very well put, Barb Engval!!!  ...see subject line.  Finally in all these 
discussions about fixed VS flexible someone hits the nail on the head. I, for one, 
am glad to see this topic summed up that way.  I don't think the way Barb summed  
up  the topic can be matched.    As Barb truthfully mentioned, in the real world 
---OUR REAL WORLD [ not research based but everyday practical  world] --- at the 
elementary level, flexible scheduling isn't   always en vogue.    Great for those 
who have  it... receive support from their principals.....content/complacent with 
it etc etc.   Teachers want their prep a.k.a. "BREAK" from all of the 
resource/support personnel...not just library media specialists. This is the only 
way elementary teachers get it. Elementary isn't the same as middle and senior high 
level where planning is built in to the teacher's class load.  I have heard 
elementary teachers complain with great envy about how middle and high school 
teachers get planning. Block scheduling at high school level ---IF  I am correct--- 
brings  long blocks of planning that would turn any elementary teacher green with 
envy. Furthermore, I agree with Barb in that we must deal with the cards we are 
dealt.  

If those who are on flexible scheduling could turn the negative (fixed scheduling) 
into a positive and insert some of the flexible scheduling practices into fixed, 
they  would align the information literacy skills curriculum with the 4 core 
subjects for each grade.  Follow the 4 core / academic subjects  pacing guide to 
build lessons. Either  "hit it" before, during, or after where the classroom 
curriculum & school library media center can correlate and align themselves. Yes, I 
do this. I collaborate in an alternate way as far as I am concerned.  Alignment is 
the key with fixed schedules.  Look for the teachable moment ! And, yes, I am on a 
fixed schedule.     

Just my 75 cents.

Robert Joyce
robert@gcronline.com
School Librarian / Library Media Specialist
Virginia


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