1. PS 154
Harriet Tubman
Elementary School
Library
Making a Difference in
Student Learning
Tonia Byrd-Lee
Syracuse University
IST 6131

2. Presentation Topics
 PS 154 Stakeholders and Partner
Groups
 The Mission
 Current Value of PS 154 Library
 Recommendations for Increasing Value
 Overcoming Roadblocks
 Imagine the Possibilities
2

3. 3

4. PS 154 Stakeholders
 Students
 Staff
 Parents
 Harlem Children’s
Zone PeaceMakers
New York City Department of Education. PS 154 Harriet
Tubman. Photograph. Retrieved from:
http://schools.nyc.gov/schoolportals/05/m154/default.htm
4

5. PS 154 Partner Groups
 Carmel Hill Education Fund
 School District 5
 Harlem Commonwealth
Council
 Teachers College, Columbia
University
Retrieved from:
https://pixabay.com/en/clasped-hands-
comfort-hands-people-541849/
5

6. PS 154 Partner Groups cont.
 Verizon Mentoring Program
 St. Nicholas Houses
 New York City Public Library
(My Library Program)
Retrieved from:
https://pixabay.com/en/clasped-hands-
comfort-hands-people-541849/
6

7. 7

8. The Mission of
PS 154 Library
Our school library center fosters a
culturally competent community of
learning and literacy that leads to
respect for one another, high academic
achievement, independent reading and
learning, and collaboration throughout
the school.
8

9. Group Mission
Combined mission statements of PS 154, its
School Library, and Partnering Groups
Discuss: What words stand out as important values for the PS
154 school community?
9

10. 10

11. Current Value PS 154 Library
Independent
Reading
Promotion
Open
Access
Library
Media
Room
Certified
School
Librarian
Library
Collection
My Library
Program
11

12. 12

13. Recommendation for
Increasing Value
Update the media room to
a learning commons
Byrd-Lee, T. (photographer). (2016, March 30) PS 154 Media Room
13
Retrieved from:
http://www.hillbrookcte.org/author/agiles

14. Learning Common Attributes
User
Centered
Attributes of
a Learning
Commons
Flexible
space
Infuses
Technology
User
Centered
Facilitates
Collaboration
Discuss: Are there
questions about what is
a learning commons?
14

15. Learning Commons Benefits
Encourages rigorous instruction
Develops twenty-first century skills
Supports the academic success of all
students including those with learning
disabilities or are English Language
Learners
15

16. Learning Commons Benefits cont.
Provides a student-centered environment
Fosters a community of learning and
literacy
 Facilitates collaboration for students and
educators
Discuss: What other benefits can you identify of a
learning commons space?
16

17. 17

18. Possible Roadblocks
 Cost
 Time
 Limited Staff
 Communication
 Maintaining Success
Discuss: What other challenges to creating a
learning commons can you foresee?
Retrieved from: https://pixabay.com/en/sign-detour-road-closed-roadblock-1167333/
18

19. Learning Commons Budget
Estimated Costs: @ $24,000.00
 10 Flip-top rolling tables -- @ $4,000
 7 Moveable whiteboards -- @ $700.00
 10 pack Whiteboard markers and erasers --
$120.00
 36 IPads -- $14,000
 Tablet charging cart -– $510.00
 40 Collaborative Chairs -- $3,600.00
 1 Laser Printer – $100.00
19

20. Possible Sources of Funding
for Learning Commons
 Resolution A (Reso A) Grant
 Library Reach Grant
 Donations from local businesses, community
groups and colleges
 Donor’s Chose
Retrieved from: https://pixabay.com/en/dollar-currency-money-us-dollar-
499481/
20

21. Timeline for Learning Commons Project
 Spring-Summer 2016: research and develop plan
 September- October 2016: elicit ideas from school
community
 November 2016 – January 2017: design prototype;
fundraise
 February – March 2017: order furniture; assemble room
 April – June 2017 – professional development sessions;
ribbon cutting ceremony for learning commons opening 21

22. Where to Find Library Volunteers
 Parents or retired family members of students
 Harlem’s Children Zone PeaceMaker
 Senior Citizens Groups from Local Churches
 High School Seniors from Schools with a Community
Service Requirement
Retrived from: https://pixabay.com/en/hands-raised-hands-volunteering-
1234037/
22

23. Current Communication
Delivery Methods
 Monthly Library Newsletters
 School Website Updates
Retrieved from: https://pixabay.com/en/loudspeaker-
sound-speaker-33944/
23

24. Possible Communication Delivery
Methods
 Social Media such as Facebook
 Press Releases
 Presentation to Manhattan Borough
President’s Office (by students)
 Letters to city council representative Keith
Wright and other local politicians (by
students)
24

25. 25

26. Learning Commons Goals and Desired
Outcomes at PS 154
Goal 1 Outcome
The learning commons
will increase rigorous,
collaborative student-
centered instruction at
PS 154.
• After one school year,
at least 70% of the
teachers will have used
the learning commons
to complete at least
one project-based,
collaborative lesson or
project with their
classes.
26

27. Learning Commons Goals and Desired
Outcomes at PS 154
Goal 2 Outcome
The learning commons
will promote the use of
digital literacy to better
prepare students for
twenty-first century.
At least 70% of PS 154
students would have
completed an assignment
in the learning commons
that promote digital
literacy.
27

28. Learning Commons Goals and Desired
Outcomes at PS 154
Goal 3 Outcome
The learning commons
will strengthen
collaboration and
professional
development sessions
among educators at PS
154 and district 5.
At least 70% of PS 154
and district 5 educators
will express more
satisfaction with how the
learning commons space
facilitates stronger, more
productive collaboration
for professional
development sessions and
meetings.
28

29. Methods and Tools for Assessments
Surveys
Observation
Learning Commons Sign Out Sheet
Informal Questioning
Retrieved from: https://pixabay.com/en/pen-school-
notes-grade-memo-162124/
29

30. Retrieved from: https://pixabay.com/en/street-road-
horizon-endless-238458/
Discuss: What possibilities can you
envision for a learning commons at PS
154?
30