0.+Initial+Activities

During this first week, go to the DISCUSSION BOARD section of Blackboard and introduce yourself according to the guidelines on this document:
 * INTRODUCTIONS**

A practicum plan provides a student with a mechanism that acts as a guide through the practicum experience. The practicum student works with a qualified, experienced library media specialist in a confidential and collegial setting that models professional interaction as an in-service practitioner.
 * COLLABORATIVELY DEVELOPED PRACTICUM PLAN** //(Required)//

Resources for use in construction of this plan are the AASL/DESE standards. The standards are laid out in the file Assign. 5-Eval. Checklist. This evaluation is completed by you and at the end of your practicum. Refer to this form as you construct the practicum plan for your practicum. I've also added them below for quick reference.

The goals of the practicum experience are to:
 * provide students with an opportunity to translate theoretical knowledge into professional practice
 * assist student in the clarification and development of professional goals
 * enable student to identify professional and interpersonal strengths and weaknesses
 * help student in the development of professional areas of interest


 * Constructing the Practicum Plan.** Develop the plan in consultation with your supervising librarian using the AASL/DESE standards. //This should be started before you start working in the library.//
 * 1) The plan should include the student’s name, address, contact phone number and e-mail address during the practicum period. It should also include the name, address, contact telephone number, and e-mail address of the supervising librarian and the beginning and ending dates of the practicum experience.
 * 2) In an opening paragraph, reflect on what you hope to achieve or obtain during the practicum experience.
 * 3) Based on your self-assessment and consultation, identify 3-5 general goals. Under each goal identify several specific objectives. The objectives should be SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time bound).
 * 4) Develop a plan of action and strategies for achieving each objective and how you will arrange your 95 hours in order to achieve your goals and objectives. Collaborate with your supervising librarian to determine if the goals and objectives are attainable during this time.
 * 5) Identify the LMS Performance Standard(s) and related Criteria that the objectives will address. Identify resources needed to achieve the objectives and the persons involved.
 * 6) Submit the draft PP to the Practicum Director for review

**1.5 Professional Competencies for Library Media Specialist Preparation (Initial and Advanced)**[| http://dese.mo.gov/schoollaw/rulesregs/documents/**MoSTEP**_10-06.pdf] Candidates for library media specialist certification have completed a program of professional studies for school library media specialists. Quality Indicators:

1.5.1.1 Efficient and Ethical Information-Seeking Behavior: Candidates apply a variety of strategies to ensure access to resources and information in a variety of formats to all members of the learning community. 1.5.1.2 Literacy and Reading: Candidates encourage reading and lifelong learning by fostering interests and competencies in the effective use of ideas and information. 1.5.1.3 Access to Information: Candidates promote efficient and ethical information-seeking behavior as part of the school library media program and its services. 1.5.1.4 Stimulating Learning Environment: Candidates demonstrate the ability to create a positive educational environment in a literate, technology-rich, and inviting library media center atmosphere.
 * 1.5.1 Use of Information and Ideas.**

1.5.2.1 Knowledge of Learners and Learning: Candidates design and implement instruction that engages the student’s interests, passions, and needs which drive their learning. 1.5.2.2 Effective and Knowledgeable Teacher: Candidates model and promote collaborative planning with classroom teachers in order to teach concepts and skills of information processes integrated with classroom content. 1.5.2.3 Information Literacy Curriculum: Candidates partner with other education professionals to develop and deliver an integrated information skills curriculum.
 * 1.5.2 Teaching and Learning.**

1.5.3.1 Connection with the Library Community: Candidates provide leadership and establish connections with the greater library and education community. 1.5.3.2 Instructional Partner: Candidates demonstrate effective leadership principles and work with the learning community to create a productive educational environment. 1.5.3.3 Educational Leader: Candidates create school library media programs that focus on student learning and achievement; and encourage the personal and professional growth of teachers and other educators.
 * 1.5.3 Collaboration and Leadership.**

1.5.4.1 Managing Information Resources: Selecting, Organizing, Using: Candidates apply knowledge and skills in building, managing, and providing free and equitable access to resource collections to enhance the school curriculum and offer leisure reading materials for the school community. 1.5.4.2 Managing Program Resources: Human, Financial, Physical: Candidates administer the library media program according to the principles of best practice in library science and program administration to support the mission of the school. 1.5.4.3 Comprehensive and Collaborative Strategic Planning and Assessment: Candidates apply leadership, collaboration, and technology skills to design and manage library media programs that are up-to-date, comprehensive, and integrated within the school.
 * 1.5.4 Program Administration.**


 * NOTE THESE IMPORTANT CALENDAR ITEMS**
 * January 25 || First Skype conversation, 7:00 p.m. ||
 * January 30 || Last date to turn in your Practicum Plan ||
 * February 22 || Second Skype conversation, 7:00 p.m. ||
 * February 28 || Practicum students will have identified the date and time for Practicum Director observation ||
 * March 14 || Third Skype conversation, 7:00 p.m. ||
 * April 18 || Last Skype conversation, 7:00 p.m. ||