4pm+Library-media+specialists

Library media specialists role should be expanded to make them a more integral part of teaching and learning. Technology plays a role in developing information literacy in schools and with students as learners. Students skills should be transformed from simple access and regurgitation to higher level skills of synthesis, evaluation, and usefulness. Library media specialists should be full time employees in school districts in California. Funding needs to be increased to enable this to happen, as well as funding for training to enable specialists to become integral parts of the schools' learning goals.
 * Role of technology in teaching and learning**


 * Implications:**

There must be a committment from school districts and sites to fund training, staffing, andd implementation of technology plan. This would include a committment to provide trained media specialists for schools.
 * Budget:**

Teachers need to be trained to use technology in more powerful ways to help students learn more effectively. Teaching staff needs training in content application in the use of technology as a tool for learning. Districts must focus on the importance of information and media literacy and making sure students have the necessary research and critical thinking skills.
 * Professional Development:**

Libraries should be used as a place of learning in addidition to a resource for books. Students should be learning to evaluate effective sources of information using technology. In addition, they must synthesize and interpret relevant information and contextualize this for their personal needs. Students must develop new insights and ideas to address problems and issues relating to their world.
 * Classroom Expectations:**

Student learning standards should be created and developed to reflect their importance in education. Clear steps must be implemented gradually and developmentally appropriate.
 * Student Learning Standards:**

Resources [|ALA Information and Literacy Standards]