This document traces the evolution of early education and library media programs in the United States from individualized instruction led by headmasters to a more modern approach emphasizing problem solving and sensory learning. It discusses influential early education theorists like Dewey and Montessori and the development of kindergarten, standardized school days and ages. Later, goals focused on individualized instruction and making learning a lifelong pursuit. The role of the library media specialist changed with technology but remains integral to collaboration, instruction, and ensuring students are effective users of information. Strong communication between school and public libraries benefits students and communities.

1. History and
Environmental Influence
on Library Media Programs

2. Early Education in the United
States
Individualized – headmaster led students
in copying materials
 19th Century
 Lancasterian System – ability grouped and rote
learning
 Societies formed to provide free education
 20th Century
 Creation of kindergarten
 adjustments to legal age for leaving school
 Changes in length of school day and term

3. Early Education
 Edward L. Thorndike
 human nature depended on learning
 advocated stimulus-response environment
 satisfying stimulus produced a satisfying
response
 John Dewey
 learners react to their environment
 solve problems posed from their environment
 no more drill and practice or straight rows of
desks

4. “Modern-Day Approach”
 William Heard Kirkpatrick
 students execute the assignment through
problem solving
 teachers responsible for beginning the activity
and evaluating the results
 Maria Montessori
 teachers focus on sensory perceptions of
learners
 teachers provide opportunity and
encouragement

5. 1919
Focus on individualized instruction
returns
 Winnetka Plan in Illinois
 Dalton Plan in Massachusetts
 students were tested
 students proceeded at different rates
depending on their individual ability
 students were re-tested to check for progress
 Group work accepted, BUT emphasis on
individual learning

6. America 2000
 set of national education goals
 transform the U.S. in “A Nation of
Students”
 make learning a lifelong endeavor
Coalition of Essential Schools
intellectual focus, simple goals, universal goals,
personalization, student as a worker,
student exhibitions, attitude, staff, budget

7. Standards for the 21st Century
Learner
School libraries are essential to the
development of learners’ skills, resources,
and tools.
Learners:
1. Inquire, think critically, and gain knowledge
2. Draw conclusions, make informed decisions,
apply knowledge to new situations, and create
new knowledge
3. Share knowledge and participate ethically and
productively as members of our democratic
society

8. Library Media Specialists
 role has changed with the rapid changes
in technology
 dismissal of any learning occurring
outside of the classroom has made it
difficult for library media specialists
to collaborate with teachers
 integral part of school leadership team

9. Library Media Program
 mission is to ensure that students and
teachers are effective users of ideas
and information
 provide intellectual and physical access to
materials in all formats
 provide instruction to foster competence and
stimulate interest in reading, viewing, and using
information and ideas
 work with educators to design learning
strategies to meet the needs of individual

10. Leadership Provided by
Library Media Specialists
 Library media specialists should:
 lead, collaborate with, and assist
teacher in applying principles of
instructional design
 be an effective manager of programs
 initiative to place resources into the
curriculum
 build joint relationship with teachers

11. History of Library Media
Centers
 first professionally trained librarian appointed
in 1900
 1920’s – regional accrediting agencies required high
school libraries with a trained librarian
 1960 – AASL received grant from Knapp
Foundation to help in development of school
libraries
 1960 & 1962 – AASL received grants from Knapp
Foundation to help in development of school libraries
 1965 – Elementary and Secondary Education
Act – funds were placed in Title II for library

12. School Libraries and Public
Libraries
There should be a strong communication
between the school library and the community
public library.
School Libraries Public Libraries
* integrate learning resources * research centered to serve the
and references into the needs of all the community
curriculum clientele
* curriculum-oriented programs * wide range of reading
* students are a captive * varied program possibilities
audience
Great partnerships let you reach out dynamically
and work with a wide variety of partners within
the school library and public library.

13. Summary
The evolution of education and school library
media programs has been a long, yet
successful, journey.
Resources
Partners in Success: When school and public librarians join forces, kids win |
School
Library Journal. (n.d.). School Library Journal | The world's largest reviewer
of books,
multimedia, and technology for children and teens. Retrieved April 8, 2013,
from
http://www.slj.com/2013/01/programs/partners-in-success-when-school-and-
public
librarians-join-forces-kids-win/
Woolls, B. (2008). The School Library Media Center in Today's Global
Sharon Smith
Environment. The ssmith7027@myasu.alasu.edu