Evidence and artifacts
The school librarian collaborates with many classroom teachers to integrate inquiry with classroom curriculum.
Current collaborative projects between the Penn teacher librarian and classroom teachers include a reading promotion with 3rd and 4th grade students called the Good Reader Program and an inquiry project with the 6th grade students that will result in a formal research paper. Another collaboration with the Penn art teacher involves Penn 3rd graders who will invent an animal, research its habitat and diet, write a story, and then build a model out of clay in art class. |
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Deep and authentic learning opportunities aligned with the Common Core are supported in the library's inquiry-based program.
The ICCSD Library Curriculum is aligned with Iowa's Common Core. Students are given opportunities to engage in deep and authentic learning through inquiry projects which build on skills learned the previous year. An example at Penn is research project on a topic connected to Early American History that the 5th graders are working on. The students begin the research by choosing a nonfiction book on a topic they think they might be interested in. They skim through the book and then decide on a specific topic and the questions they want to research. In library class they learn how to take notes and how to cite their sources. AEA Online Resources are used and students also may use technology as they showcase their learning by creating a final project of their choice. The teacher librarian uses principles of differentiated instruction to scaffold the students' learning, give them ownership of their projects, and keep them accountable for showing what they have learned. |
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A library curriculum is in place and implemented across grades and disciplines.
The Iowa City Community Schools has a K-12 library curriculum in place throughout the district. The Penn teacher librarian served on the committee that wrote the current ICCSD Library Curriculum. |
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The school library program supports the district's School Improvement Plan.
As part of the ICCSD Library Program, the Penn library supports student literacy, inquiry learning, and reading for fun. Students learn how to use the library, how to do research, how to find resources in the library and beyond, and how to use technology to find and share information with others. Inquiry projects are integrated with classroom instruction whenever possible. We use a differentiated instruction model to provide support for students who have a variety of learning styles, reading abilities, and interests. |
The school library program provides leadership and support for integrating technology to enhance learning.
The Penn teacher librarian has provided professional development sessions for teachers on: how to use the SMART Board, AEA online resources, copyright laws, and accessing files and folders on the school district's server. She is a certified SMART trainer. In addition, she provides first-level tech support for the school district for trouble-shooting problems with computers, interactive whiteboards, multimedia projectors, and telephones in the classrooms. The teacher librarian maintains a web site for the Penn Elementary Library that is used by students, teachers, staff, and community members. |
The school library program advances literacy. Examples could include engaging students with various types of literature, teaching comprehension strategies, and promoting independent reading.
The Penn Library is an inviting place for students to browse for books or read. Books are on display throughout the library, inviting students to want to read them. Library classes for primary students include frequent read-alouds. Comprehension strategies are taught as part of the ICCSD library curriculum. These include making connections, creating mental images, paraphrasing, summarizing, and asking questions. The 3rd and 4th graders participate in the annual Good Reader Program, which is sponsored by the Coralville Optimist Club. Last year 100% of the Penn 3rd and 4th graders completed Level III of the program, which included reading nine different kinds of books and completing three reading activities. We also participate in Iowa City's annual One Book Two Book children's writing festival. The Penn teacher librarian sponsors a book club every year which is well-attended. We host an annual Book Fair and also have Family Literacy Nights. |
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