Charlotte Danielson

Most have heard of the Praxis tests that are given to pre0sevice teachers or beginning teachers that try to assess the competence teachers possess. What you may not know, is that the foundation of the tests comes from a major set of frameworks which Danielson helped develop. What is really amazing is that the frameworks are built upon constructivist principles, not the direct teaching or behaviorist ideas often put forth by NCLB enthusiasts. Accroding to Danielson, a number of school districts around the country base professional development on the frameworks. This means that if followed, the professional development comes much more in line with and correlates with the ideas espoused by teacher librarians that define what good teaching and learning look like. Chapters in this book lay out in detail what is meant by the ideas expressed in the frameworks. Even better, Danielson recognizes that the specialists of the school, including teacher librarians have a role to play in academic achievement as they collaborate with the classroom teacher. The first question for teacher librarians and district library and technology specialists is to ask about the role and influence these frameworks have in state and local attempts to raise the quality of teaching and learning. If there is any role on beyond the Praxis testing, then this book is a very important read. We corresponded with Danielson and congratulated her for including teacher librarians. She claimed that she was not an expert in the specialty areas, but that she was quite serious that many others in the school other than the lonely classroom teacher had something to contribute. We don’t often see this as we review the professional literature, so we congratulate Danielson on this perspective. Thus, our advice to any teacher librarian who is seeking to or being included in professional learning communities in the school or district to get a copy of Danielson and read it. There are many many issues of good teaching and learning included that fit very well into the ideas of good school library media programs. It is worth the time to read one solid book each year that builds your theory base. This is our recommendation this year.… (more)