Sheila Burkett

SMP Part 2

Fall 2013

In an overview of JDPS, the school does not use BYOT. The teachers, administrators, and media staff use Web 2.0 tools in the classroom but very few. Teachers have access to ebooks as well as print materials. Teachers have Promethean boards, Study Island, River Deep, and MobyMax, as well as many other software products to use in the classroom. The circulation policy for students is a two week checkout for printed books. Research and resource materials are not available for checkout but can be used in the media center. Computers in the computer labs and media center are available for class use as well as individual student use. Parents are welcomed to use the M.A.D. Center which has a variety of technology and print kits for checkout for two weeks. Parents can also use the computer lab on certain days for help with student projects. If materials are damaged or lost, parents are responsible for monetary charges or students are only allowed to use materials under librarian supervision. The media center is open from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm for student use, Monday through Friday. Students are allowed to visit the media center at any time during operating hours, unless Girtman is hosting lessons. On Tuesday and Thursday, the media center and the M.A.D. Center are available from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm for parent availability. Parents can also search for books using Follett Destiny, to help students find books of interest and create a list so the media center staff can assist students in checking out materials. Parents are also able to keep an eye on student progress by using Parent Portal by Infinite Campus. Teachers can schedule class time in the library for blocks of 30 minutes or 60 minutes throughout the day, unless Ms. Girtman is hosting lessons that day. Teachers also can have movies/resources piped to grade level or content area classes by WinTv. There are a variety of technological devices for students with disabilities that can be rented or checked out for free for home and school use.

Sheila Burkett

SMP Part 2

Fall 2013

The media center is home to a computer lab, a circulation desk, a small reference center, a teacher resource center, a large fiction section and a mediocre non-fiction section. The overall learning climate is a positive learning environment with the student in mind. The shelves are low to the floor, with the books in good condition and easily visible to all students. The stadium type seating in the class seating area is modified to fit small bodies, is painted in bright colors and designs, and has cushions for comfort. Computer desks and chairs in the computer lab are childsized with wheelchair access to several computers. There are no wireless devices in the library itself, but the school does have wifi for laptops used in the classrooms. Students can access various websites, such as Study Island and MobyMax at home. I feel the media center is overly bright with many small windows as well as the fluorescent lighting. Traffic comes in through the main door of the media center, with students going by the bathrooms into the fiction area of the library. The students will then go to the circulation desk and out through the exit door on the opposite of the library. The computer lab is behind and to the left of the circulation desk. Temperature and humidity are average. (See appendix A for photos). I feel the one barrier to equitable access is the media center does not have large aisles and pathways for easy wheelchair access. There is very little media for students with vision problems. I do feel that even with low socioeconomic students, there is ample time available for parental and student use of technology and the media center. I feel the computer lab should have been not enclosed into a small area which is not easy for some students with physical disabilities. The environment is positive and conducive to learning. The dcor is kid-friendly and kidappropriate using book characters and bright, as well as fun, colors. There is adequate space for classes and small groups. Resources available at home by parents and students are: Scholastic,

Sheila Burkett

SMP Part 2

Fall 2013

MobyMax, Pebble Go, Star Fall, Primary Games, and OAS. For resources, I feel the media center can use more for parents and students to use at home. The budget for JDPS is dealt with by the media director who deals with the allotment for each school and each student so Ms. Girtman does not have the state formula and specific amount per student. She does use book fairs to supplement the JDPS media budget. They have great needs due to the age of their collection and the constant demand for technology items. They are considering adding a few more e-books to the collection. They are K-2 so they are hesitant just because of the age of the students. Ms. Girtman stated that some parents are comfortable with young ones using devices but not all of the student body has access to devices for e-books. Funding is always a challenge and they constantly plan for future needs and how to work them into the budget, said Ms. Girtman.

Resources

Girtman, T. (2013, October 02). Interview by S Burkett. Budget and facility overview.

Davis, J. (2013, October 01). Retrieved from www.jeff-davis.k12.ga.us

Sheila Burkett

SMP Part 2

Fall 2013

Appendix A

Ms. Girtman, the media specialist

Entrance to media center

Sheila Burkett

SMP Part 2

Fall 2013

Another picture of the entrance to the media center.

Fiction center with tape on the floor designating flow of traffic.

Sheila Burkett

SMP Part 2

Fall 2013

Computer lab.

Circulation desk with computer lab in the background.