1.4+Summaries

When teachers and librarians collaborate they are able to “take the curriculum deeper” (Judy P). This means that they are able to expand on topics that would normally only be covered at a surface level. One way this happens is by planning lessons that cover many different topics. As students learn about the topics together they are able to see how they fit together. When teachers and librarians plan together each person is able to bring their set of strengths to the table to make more meaningful lessons for students. In the case of the student teacher Sherri, she only had a vague idea of what she wanted to do and by working with the librarian they were able to come up with a great lesson (Sherri). Another benefit of collaboration to teachers is that sometimes the teacher learns new ways to use technology and library resources in their classroom. One of the teachers interviewed said she was “learning right along with the students.” (Pat). By the end of the day she was helping the students more than she had at the beginning of the day. Having the librarian lead the lesson gave her time to get comfortable with the technology and then she was able to help the students. I think this is a much more successful way to integrate technology into the classroom. Teachers are more likely to use technology when they have been given hands on help in learning how to use it. This is a much better use of teacher’s time then having them sit in a half day workshop where they are just listening and not actually doing. Pat is more likely to use this technology in her room by herself now that she has seen how useful it can be in her instruction. Lowering the student-to-teacher ratio is another benefit of the collaboration of teachers and librarians (Moreillon 7). When you have two teachers teaching a lesson, students will be able to get much more individualized attention therefore increasing the chances they will understand the topic. One benefit that Dianne gained for collaboration with the librarian was ways “to integrate research and writing into the course (art).” Elective teachers often have trouble figuring out ways to include these components into their classes, but working with the librarian Dianne was able to plan a lesson that included research before the students did their art project. Administrators are always looking for ways to improve student achievement especially when it comes to school accountability. By encouraging teachers and librarians to collaborate administrators are promoting higher student achievement. This is one way “to ensure that diverse learners have the maximum opportunity for achievement” (Moreillon 8). The benefits of collaboration to teachers, librarians, and students are also benefits to administrators.
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 * __ Administrators __**

__**Benefits to Students**__ In this age of rapidly increasing technology and emphasis on standardized testing, students are required to not only find information but use higher order thinking skills to analyze that information. One of the best ways to accomplish this level of student learning is through collaboration. According to //Empowering Learners// collaboration makes students take an active role in learning (20). It also gives students more individual attention (Peg/K). Having more individualized attention creates an enviornment for active student learning. In our testimonials and readings, we have seen many examples of collaboration especially in the area of 21st century standards. One specific example came from High School Teacher, Sherri when she stated that collaboration had helped her students learn to use technology, research, and create correct citations (Sherri/HS). By using collaboration to learn these skills in combination with subject curriculum, teachers and librarians are giving students essential skills for lifelong learning.

Librarians work to create a positive collaborative learning enviornment within a school. The ability to collaborate throught the entire school gives librarians the chance to impact the academic achievement of every single child (Paula/P). This position is unique within a school because it is the only one that allows this type of widespread collaboration. Emphasis on student achievement has led to educational stakeholders wanting to see measurable improvement. Using collaboration librarians can become leaders in schools (Moreillon ix). Promoting and effectively executing many different collaborative methods will ensure that a librarian can show measurable imporvement in student achivement and learning. One example of a collaborative effort is when a librarian collaborates with a teacher and creates "job-embedded professional development" (Moreillon 8). Another example includes collabroation with community stakeholders. //Empowering Learner// reminds us that, "partnering with community organizations...can enrich the program through added resources and interation with the world outside the school" (21). By constantly collaborating the librarian is teaching new skills, learning new skills, and bringing in valuable outside resources to provide students with better learning opportunities and measurable improvement. The collaborating librarian has the ability to impact achievement in many ways because the entire school and community becomes thier classroom through rich collaboration.
 * __Benefits to Librarians__**