[aisle] [External] library and testing- help!

[Rademacher, Kristen]

I too am a private high school librarian. My library space is used for tutoring before/after school, meetings in the evening and even during the day, extended time or accommodations testing during finals and ACT, study halls, class space for teachers needing tables and/or computers, and so much more. I have to fight and re-establish what the space needs to be every single year, sometimes even every semester. I use data, I use teachers requests, I use photos and evidence everywhere I can to make my admins really see the use. I constantly thank them when they finally support a positive use, letting them know exactly just how busy and well used we are now that they are supporting use properly. If and when that changes, I immediately advocate for my students and my space. It’s a non-stop battle.

I will be getting a new principal next year after all the hard work over the past decade getting the current one to see how valuable we are. I am crossing my fingers the new one comes in already knowledgeable about the vital role libraries play in schools.

I hope this helped in some small way. Feel free to call me if you have questions.

Kristen Rademacher
Librarian
1 Book 1 Marist Director
Marist High School<http://www.marist.net/academics/arclibrary/>
773.881.5356
@1Book1Marist
rademacher.kristen at marist.net<mailto:rademacher.kristen at marist.net%3cmailto:rademacher.kristen at marist.net>



From: AISLE <aisle-bounces at list.railslibraries.info> On Behalf Of Lala Lala via AISLE
Sent: Monday, February 10, 2020 9:42 AM
To: AISLE-Share: Association of Illinois School Library Educators discussion list <aisle at list.railslibraries.info>
Cc: Lala Lala <lalalibrary918 at gmail.com>
Subject: [External] [aisle] library and testing- help!

Hi,

I am in a small, private high school. Giving tests is not in my contract, nor my title. However, we are small and there is no one testing person. Teachers and administrators want me to be the Testing location and person. Unfortunately, without my consent, my office in the library was turned into the Testing Location, although it is not staffed by me. It is open during the lunch period and after school.

My problem is, many students need to make up tests during class time that they missed. Or students who have an "alternate location" accommodation don't have anywhere to take it.

I am really pushing back on this because, if I don't, I will become the testing person and location and what little planning time I have (I have a flexible schedule)- will cease to exist.

However, I also want to be seen as a helpful and accommodating colleague.

A teacher just raised her voice at me regarding this issue- she is a Department Chair and on the only influential committee in our school (of which I am not, although I have asked). She said there is no other place- except the hallway. Of course, I want to have students' best interest at heart - I am just torn.

What does your school do? Any advice? Should I just suck it up and be what the school  needs me to be? (It is just that it's, obviously, distracting to supervise a student testing, when I need to concentrate on my work). I am just feeling deflated.


Lori

--
Lori McGreal
Trinity High School librarian
lmcgreal at trinityhs.org<mailto:lmcgreal at trinityhs.org>
1-708-453-9340

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