Overview+of+the+UVM+School+Library+Media+Studies+Sequence

The UVM sequence has been around for many years, and has evolved to its present format within the last fifteen years. Previously, courses were offered on site at UVM during the regular and summer sessions, but that restricted enrollment for folks located away from the Chittenden County area. Sometimes the courses were located in other parts of the state, and presented travel problems for other potential students. With the growth of online access to websites and distance learning solutions, we are now able to offer a course that is delivered in multiple formats for students in all corners of the state. While the sequence originated with practicing educators in mind, it is by no means aimed exclusively at teachers. For most educators who are already certified, the basic courses in the series will provide competencies leading to endorsement in library media. Those who are not currently certified educators will also have to demonstrate competencies that satisfy the sixteen principles included in the [|Five Standards for Vermont Educators]. These competencies may require additional coursework in education. For licensed school library media specialists, courses in the sequence may serve as an important resource for professional development or recertification credits. The six core courses in the sequence are upper level/graduate courses. Where applicable, they may fit into a master's degree program, such as UVM's [|Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction.] The courses are approved by the UVM Education Department and delivered through Continuing Education. The content of the coursework addresses the essential competencies required by the State of Vermont. These competencies are available as a [|PDF] file on the [|Vermont Educator Licensing web site]. The coursework also reflects professional standards for graduate library media specialist preparation programs established by the American Library Association and the American Association of School Libraries: ([]) This series of courses is designed to flow as a sequence, and the management course (EDLI 272) is usually a prerequisite for all other courses. However, the courses may be taken as stand alone courses or taken out of sequence as circumstances permit, after a discussion with a counselor at Continuing Education, the sequence coordinator, or the instructor. The courses have been capped at 20 students, but often the instructor is asked to accept up to five more students. Recently, there has been active competition for the slots, and many times there is a wait list set up by the instructor. Students are encouraged to enroll as soon as the course is posted on the registrar’s site. As a minimum requirement, they must have a bachelor’s degree in order to enroll. Courses are offered through Continuing Education and are available throughout the state through a combination of delivery methods. The courses combine live sessions with on-line coursework and classes delivered through interactive television. Regular access to a computer is required for the sequence since a significant amount of coursework is completed on-line. Skills such as use of the internet, email, word processing, and knowledge of basic computer software are required. Students are trained in using the Blackboard on-line course format throughout the series of courses. Students come from all walks of life and are serious go-getters. They are eager to learn, are passionate about school libraries, and are willing to share many life experiences that make them a joy in the classroom. It is certainly a challenge to teach in this sequence, but the rewards are many, along with the chance to encourage and train new library media specialists to carry on the mission in Vermont schools.
 * Overview of the UVM School Library Media Studies Sequence **