[LM_NET] HIT: Library Closings/Testing

[Lois Harrison <HarrisoL@QACPS.K12.MD.US>]

I want to thank the countless librarians who sent such wonderful
responses to my query about frequent library closings due to
standardized testing. To summarize:
a. It is a huge problem across the country. Some libraries are closed
for 6 wks - one cited 45 days of closings. Many media centers are closed
for weeks at a time, in 3-wk blocks at the start and end of the school
year.
b. In many cases the entire school is testing so students couldn't
access the library at that time even if it were open.
c. Only one librarian said that she had convinced her principal that
the library should never be closed for such a purpose.
d. One librarian gave specific examples as to how she used her time
wisely during testing weeks, i.e. for collaborative planning with staff
members, etc.
e. When schools are overcrowded and space is an issue, there is really
no alternative to using the library for testing.
f. Some media specialists reported that there facility is closed for
other reasons such as special teacher lunches, etc.
 
Lois P. Harrison,
School Library Media Specialist
Stevensville Middle School
Stevensville, Maryland  21666
410-643-3194
harrisol@qacps.k12.md.us

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