Week 6 Response

Vlasis, Charlotte. 2003. Librarian Morphs into Curriculum Developer.

"My background as a library media specialist was traditional and typical".

I chose this quote because it triggers memories of the school librarian in my elementary days. The author states that during the first part of her career she focused on teaching library skills and love of reading to students. These are quite valuable skills, but what do you do when you get bored? Are these skills seen as vital by anyone else? The author states that it was time to reinvent what she was doing. It was until she got a new job that the answer was provided. The answer was curriculum mapping. The curriculum map links standards with content with a time line with skills. What an integrative way to focus student learning, starting with the ones held accountable for learning. The maps are unique to the user. It is beneficial for all.

The idea of curriculum mapping shows how a school librarian stays relevant in the school community. It provides accountability for teachers, but it helps school librarians know what skills are being taught in the school and let the librarian build resources for use. It gives the school librarian a big picuture view. It fosters collaboration among professionals and creates learning opportunites for students.