I’m back for Day 2 at TASLA!

This morning’s program was a fantastic example of the incredible things that can happen when a principal and librarian work together. The presenters were Deana Harrell, principal, and Debra Marshall, librarian, at Wilson Elementary School, Coppell ISD.

As a new principal with a passion for reading, Deana did away with the computerized reading program that had previously been in place on her campus. She replaced the paraprofessionals running that program with a strong librarian who shared her vision for creating a community of readers, who read for pleasure instead of for prizes. Deana placed the librarian (Debra) on the campus leadership team, giving her the status of a team leader, and the two of them met weekly to map out a plan for bringing Deana’s vision to life. With the help of the assistant principal and the literacy coach, they implemented many new programs in order to bring reading to life on the campus:

Faculty book study facilitated by principal and librarian: Strategies That Work (Stephanie Harvey) for 3-5 grade teachers

Meet & Model Mondays – grade level meetings with literacy coach to discuss guided reading, differentiation, etc.

All faculty meetings had an instructional focus and included staff development provided by the librarian on World Book Online, Teachingbooks.net and NetTrekker d.i., etc.

Book Character Parade

BookWORMS book clubs – 1-3 book clubs at each grade level facilitated by principal, librarian, literacy coach, assistant principal, and parents. Clubs met at lunch to discuss books and funding was provided by a grant from Coppell’s Education Foundation.

Charlotte’s Web Literacy Night – Coincided with the opening of the movie. The librarian created literacy stations that were manned by teachers.

Three (!) author visits – Rick Riordan, Rochelle Strauss, and Kate McMullen

Dr. Seuss week had daily activities based on Dr. Seuss books, including Wacky Wednesday, when the librarian turned things upside down all over campus.

Texas Bluebonnet Award program – 35% of eligible students voted

8th grade reading buddies for 2nd grade students worked on conventions of non-fiction

As a result of their efforts, TAKS scores improved in the area of critical thinking. Library circulation increased by 25% and kindergarten teachers allowed their students to take books home! The book clubs proved so popular that some are continuing to meet over the summer at the local Barnes & Noble. Several veteran teachers formed their own book clubs in their classrooms.

Plans for next year include a library facility upgrade, a student library advisory council, collaboration on lesson plans between librarian and three grade levels, author visit by Claude & Monte Montgomery(Hubert Invents the Wheel), and the formation of a Friends of Coppell ISD libraries.

A great example of what a librarian can do with a collaborative and supportive principal!