Media Specialists Speak Out

Today is a banner day for MCPS School Library Media Specialists. One of our own is at the table during today’s Board of Education meeting to showcase and discuss her role in implementing innovative technologies to improve student learning (see Innovations in Technology http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/boe/meetings/agenda/2010-11/2011-0308/3.0%20Innovatons%20in%20Technology.pdf).

Meanwhile, media specialists and media assistants in schools around MCPS are learning that their hours will be cut for the next school year. For several elementary schools, this will mean that the media specialist will be ½ time. Media assistants in elementary and middle schools will be ½ or ¾ time. While the possibility of losing media assistant hours was indicated in a memo from Dr. Weast, the potential loss of media specialist hours was never made public. According to several media specialists who are losing hours, the school-based management approach is causing principals to decide between staff development teachers, reading specialists, counselors and media specialists.

So, who will be teaching students how to utilize innovative technology? The teachers? Who do you think is often called upon to teach the teachers? The media specialist. Who will teach students information literacy skills? It’s not in the curriculum. The media specialists are the ones who integrate true 21^st century skills in to MCPS curriculum. With fewer staffed hours in the media center, how many reading programs will be supported? Students without computer access at home often use the media center after school – that will end as media assistants’ hours are eliminated and the media specialist has to absorb additional responsibilities in a day that already lasts beyond a normal “duty day.” As a professional educator, I pride myself on continuous professional development – on my time and my dime. Frankly, the staff development teacher is often tasked with school leadership administrative tasks rather than true staff development. But if there is nobody in the library, students will be denied access to literature, information, technology, and learning.

There is no doubt that difficult decisions must be made regarding staffing. But, the most unsettling aspect of this latest round of cuts is the complete lack of transparency and accountability. Where is the stakeholder input? How and why are decisions being made from school to school? What is in place to ensure equitable programming for all students?

As a media specialist, finding and using credible information is my specialty. In this situation, it would be great to have any information to explain why the libraries are being so greatly impacted. And is anyone considering how this will impact the kids? Aren’t they our main responsibility?

The Parents' Coalition thanks the writer for submitting these comments to this blog. The writer wishes to remain anonymous.