January-June 2003

Six-monthly report to the ALIA Board of Directors

Purpose and goals as stated in ALIA group application

To encourage collegiality among its members
To promote the interests of school libraries and teacher-librarians
To provide opportunities for professional development for personnel in school libraries
To lobby for school libraries with state and local groups
To liaise with other professional groups in the field, for example SLAV
To identify and analyse current trends in teacher-librarianship
To maintain the profile of teacher-librarians within the ALIA structure
To hold regular meetings and to disseminate information in print and electronic format

Activities from January to 30 June, 2003 including an evaluation of the achievement of the group in relation to the purpose and goals

On 15 March ALIA Schools Victoria held a seminar on Diversity in learning: Libraries catering for the full spectrum of learners. As well as introducing participants to a new CDROM on the research process, sessions on assignment design and modification were conducted. This activity fulfilled the following goals: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7
On 7 May, ALIA Schools Victoria conducted a professional development session titled Evidence-based practice: information literacy and literature. This was the first of two spaced learning modules, each of two and a half hours duration. The second session occurred on 11 June. These sessions focused on how evidence-based practice operates in relation to information literacy and literature programs in two Victorian Schools, one secondary and one primary. The modules were designed to allow the participants time between the sessions to implement a small project and to report back on progress. The participants were most appreciative of the collegial support that this model offered and stated in their evaluation comments that they found the seminars to be very valuable. These activities fulfilled the following goals: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7.
The group has held scheduled meetings on 8 February, 15 March, 3 May and, 14 June. Following the meetings on 8 February and 15 March members received mail out. These contained a newsletter and a flyer inviting participation in the March and May/June professional development sessions respectively. These meetings fulfilled the following goals: 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 and 8.
Three members of ALIA Schools Victoria are members of the joint ALIA/ASLA committees. Kris Johnstone is the ALIA representative on the joint Issues Committee. Anne Girolami and Sandra Ryan are the ALIA representatives on the joint Policy Committee. Anne Girolami is the convenor of the latter group and the ALIA/ASLA Statement on Teacher-librarians in Australia has been approved by both Associations. Currently, both Committees have combined and formed a taskforce to develop a standards document. Regular teleconferences have been held and reports have been submitted from both committees. In these ways ALIA Schools Victoria is fulfilling the following goals 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7and 8.
On 26 May, Sandra Ryan represented ALIA at the National Forum on Teacher Standards, Quality and Professionalism. This meeting was held in Canberra and was attended by representatives of national teacher organisations, teacher educators, statutory bodies, managers from employing authorities, early childhood, TAFE, VET and parents. During the Forum, the National Statement from the Teaching Profession on Teacher Standards, Quality and Professionalism was launched. A report was written and forwarded to Jennefer Nicholson. This activity fulfilled the following goals: 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7.

This analysis clearly demonstrates that all of the group's goals have been covered by these activities.

Forward planning for July-November 2003

The group application for ALIA Schools Victoria has been submitted and ALIA's response is anticipated. Pending the continuation of the group beyond June 2003, in October, an evidence-based practice forum is planned for the participants of the 2002 and 2003 seminars as well as a broader audience. In this way we will be able to learn more about good practice and provide an opportunity for others to receive ongoing collegial support.

The joint dinner with SLAV is planned for School Libraries Day on 27 October.

Sandra Ryan
Co-convenor, ALIA Schools Victoria

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