Reflection Journal

Librarian: Grace Littlefield

Campus: Cypress Springs High School

Date: October 15, 2008

SECTION ONE

Respond to the following:

If ‘Resilience’ is the measure of a student’s capacity to meet sustained challenges, complex tasks and new information, how does your library contribute to building greater resilience?

Respond in the space provided.

Resilience really means being motivated to teach oneself. Because we have had to “dumb down” education so the lowest level student can pass the baseline TAKS test, students have had to challenge themselves to go beyond what is required in order to be prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.

SECTION ONE, cont.

Response continued:

The library can help by encouraging students to read, learn technology, and learn to be flexible as information and technology changes daily. They will have to be able to continue learning to be able to work in the global workplace. Our goal is to build relationships with students so they feel cared for and valued. Only then can we teach them the skills they will need for the future.

SECTION ONE, cont.

Response continued:

SECTION TWO

Respond to the following:

Much discussion has taken place about technology integration in 21st century schools. How are CFISD libraries changing to be integral to the core instructional and behavioral practices that lead to student success?

CFISD libraries are going as fast as technology will allow. We can’t convince teachers to use technology if the infrastructure is not there to support it throughout the campus. We need a program that allows students to collaborate and have discussions online.

SECTION TWO, cont.

Response continued:

We need a program like Blackboard that allows students to submit work online. Many college classes are now being offered only online and we need to prepare our students to function in those environments if we truly want them to be prepared for the future.

SECTION TWO, cont.

Response continued:

SECTION THREE

Respond to the following:

Compare your school library to the Resiliency model and identify the tipping point, the first small change that will bring about great change that will recreate your library as the heart beat of the school and create change in the building.

The tipping point will always be relationships with students. I open at 6:30 a.m. because we have so many students whose parents drop them off on their way to work. I want the library to be a comfortable place where students feel welcome; greeted with a smile and a kind word.

SECTION THREE, cont.

Response continued:

They understand our policies and if they do not, we work to teach them without penalty such as having an after school pass or lunch pass. Even if they do not have a pass, we allow them access but explain to them the reason for the pass (school procedure for not having students in the hall without a pass) and suggest how to obtain one in the future whether from us before school or from any of their teachers.

SECTION THREE, cont.

Response continued:

We work towards developing relationships with students to draw them out of their shell; to let them know that they are noticed. I have several students who never say a word, but I know them by name and try to find books that they like. I notice when they are absent and make an effort to tell them they were missed. I want the library to be the heart of the school. Through small steps and time, I hope to make that happen.