Professional+Standards+and+Philosophy

** Preparation of School Library Media Specialists ** In order to meet academic standards in preparing students to succeed as School Library Media Specialists in Vermont, the content of the SLMS courses reflect the knowledge and performance standards outlined in the certification requirements for the Vermont Department of Education Standards Board for Professional Educators. ([] )
 * Professional Standards and Philosophy: **

In addition, the courses have been developed to meet the ALA/AASL Standards for Initial Programs for School Library Media Specialist Preparation, approved by NCATE March 5, 2003. ([])

These standards have been created to guide professional development and training for school library media specialists across the United States and Canada. The following dispositions that show evidence of meeting the standards include:

Dispositions Embedded in AASL Standards for School Library Media Specialists (Created by Elizabeth Haynes, USM)

Standard 1: Use of Information and Ideas

1.Works successfully with others 2. Adheres to and communicates legal and ethical policies as well as codes of the profession 3. Enjoys reading 4. Advocates for, supports and facilitates flexible and open access to resources, services, and information in all formats as well as the library media center and its services 5.Has ability to plan and organize

Standard 2: Teaching and Learning

1. Models and promotes collaborative planning with classroom teachers and other education professionals 2. Believes all students can learn, regardless of diverse abilities, needs and learning styles 3. Is technologically competent and current on technological developments 4. Advocates for instruction in information skills as an integral part of the curriculum

Standard 3: Collaboration and Leadership

1. Models personal responsibility and willingness to undertake a leadership role 2. Understands the importance of being involved in school and district committees and staff development 3. Pursues self-learning strategies to keep current with developments in the field 4. Advocates for the role of the library media center as an important component in the overall school program 5. Understands the importance of professional publications and involvement with professional associations 6. Models, shares, and promotes ethical and legal principles of education and librarianship

Standard 4: Program Administration

1. Understands the importance of gathering and communicating data to support planning and decision-making 2. Works collaboratively with the school community to develop and improve the library media program 3. Supports intellectual freedom and privacy of users 4. Believes in the importance of meeting diverse user needs

There is also a PRAXIS component that has been developed for those entering the field of education. The topics are based on the ALA/AASL Standards. []

Other standards that are important to note in understanding underlying educational philosophies of library media services and information literacy are embedded in the Library Media Standards within the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards, or National Board Certification. []

Teaching and learning are major components of school library media specialist preparation, and the UVM courses focus on student learning as presented in Vermont Framework of Standards and Learning Opportunities ([], as well as, the AASL Standards for the 21st Century Learner. []

The UVM School Library Media Studies graduate level coursework is designed to give students authentic learning experiences and theoretical knowledge that will allow them to succeed as School Library Media Specialists in Vermont, and is recognized by the Vermont Department of Education as evidence of meeting SLMS certification requirements.