A New Experience Awaits You in Jacksonville, Florida

Abstract

TechTrends • July/August 2011 Volume 55, Number 4 have limited the kinds of materials and programming that the SMS can provide. Extreme cuts such as those faced in New Jersey have caused the termination of SMS positions, and in worst cases, elimination of school libraries altogether. At the NJASL meeting, attendees focused efforts on responding to these state budget reduction approaches in an effort to communicate the critical nature of the SMS services and access to instructional media resources and facilities. Another change in SMS responsibilities has arisen as a result of increased emphasis on standardized testing through the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation. Many SMS professionals have been given the responsibility of administering such tests, often with considerable time requirements involved. The provision of extensive amounts of time for testing suggests the loss of time for other activities, such as instructional programming. Conversely, some SMS personnel are finding themselves the caretakers of class sections (or grade levels) that are not currently in the testing queue. This changing role indicates a need for strong communication channels among all instructional stakeholders— teachers, SMS’s, and administration— to determine the most effective use of everyone’s time and to strategize ways to leverage SMS access to students that supports targeted learning outcomes. Teachers have been under substantial pressure in responding to the requirements of NCLB, but the ability of the SMS to serve as an important instructional resource, as well as an educator, can provide some valuable support in the context of standardized testing. Through the many formal and informal interactions I have had the benefit of during this current AECT leadership role, I have come to appreciate the many, changing facets of the SMS profession. However, one requirement seems to be a constant—the desire to improve the educational experience for children of all ages. Thank you to the authors in this issue of TechTrends who have contributed to increasing our collective understanding of changes and challenges for the school media specialist. 2011 AECT Conference Update