Journal of Education & Social Policy

School Library Specialists: Effective Instructional Leaders for P-12 School Library Programs and Student Achievement
Brenda Pruitt-Annisette, MLS, Ed.D.

Abstract
Descriptive study using a frequency scale survey to examine how 891 certified school librarians self- assess their delivery of instructional activities in the school library program. Three school library specific, instructional activities were identified: 1) literacy and inquiry; 2) collection development; and3) co-teaching/collaborating with classroom teachers). Data indicate that participants always: 1) deliver literacy and inquiry instruction – 11 percent of the time; 2) engage in collection development activities – 14 percent of the time; and 3) co-teach/collaborate alongside classroom teachers – 6 percent of the time. Findings may encourage more qualitative and quantitative on how graduate preparation program faculty examine selection processes used to identify school librarians and school library programs for field experiences and practicum placements sites for candidates. Implications for P-12 student achievement are discussed.

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