Eagles not Pelicans

Equipping Students with Skills through School Library Programs to Fly into their Future Lives

Abstract

Reading is a foundational skill for academic success. However, a wide range of other skills are also essential for equipping students for life in the 21st century. These skills are considered in relation to the school library and help inform teacher librarians of the qualities they are seeking to instil in their students. Two programs run through the school library at St Andrew’s in collaboration with the English Faculty are explained: the Independent Research Project incorporating reading and guided inquiry, and Wide Reading Programs supported by well-designed activities to encourage reflection and development of information literacy skills; examples of the tasks and activities will be provided to attendees. Original research into students' reading is used to strengthen the program, and strategies to help reluctant students achieve and approaches incorporating Carol Dweck’s Growth Mindset are employed to create a positive, supportive climate of high expectations in the classroom and to help the school library make a substantial difference within the school community.