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It is important for librarians to know that doing the CEP requires a process, done with a committee, and not just handing in adapted sample plans.
Review the following for help on the "Comprehensive Education Plan"
The Comprehensive Education Plan is part of the recent Chapter 125 Basic School Approval rulemaking. The CEP is "aligned with the system of learning results, focused on the learning of all students, and oriented to continuous improvement". Each School Board must adopt a Comprehensive Education Plan by the end of the 2002-2003 school years. It is a continuous improvement process, which asks the superintendent to convene a team that is to include "at least one teacher, one administrator, one citizen, one school board member, and as appropriate, one student". The CEP includes a list of 26 plans required by school law or regulation of all Maine school systems. This list can be found at http://www.state.me.us/education/reqplans.htm
School Librarians might want to request presence on this team.
Of these 26 components, these two that are of particular interest to library media specialists:
#15 is "Library-Media Resources and Instructional Materials & Equipment Replacement Plan" which is an "analysis of the allocation, adequacy, and replacement plan for library-media resources and instructional materials and equipment" as described in Sections 9.01 and 9.03 of Chapter 125. Section 9.03 includes other instructional materials and equipment such as electronic materials and supplies that support teaching and learning. Note that 9.03 includes other instructional materials, such as textbooks, that may not have been in your usual library plan. Chapter 125, section 9.01 is listed below.
#22 on the CEP list. "Technology Use Plan: for Student Learning and Effective School Administrative Unit Operations", had guidelines that were issued in Informational Letter 7, Policy Code IJND on July 26, 2002. There are 14 points included of which the first is to "involve a broad representation o the school community in the planning process". Strategies that integrate technology should be based on those from "a review of relevant research" - something in which library media specialists have an expertise. The guidelines also ask about collaboration with adult literacy service providers, which may include their public library. The plan asks for a description of professional development, including school library media personnel, "to further the effective use of technology in the classroom and library media center".
Chapter 125, CEP, 9.01 Library Media Resources
A. Each school shall maintain a library-media program that includes books, written materials, online Internet resource materials, multimedia materials, and information technology that support the curriculum. Resources will be appropriate to the ages of the children served by the school. A certified library-media specialist shall oversee the library-media program in a school administrative unit. However, this shall not be interpreted to mean that each school must have a certified library-media specialist.
B. The library-media resources, including access to the Internet, shall be accessible to all enrolled students and personnel during school hours. The school administrative unit shall have a policy governing access to library resources by students in approved equivalent instruction programs in accordance with state law and Me. Dept. of Ed. Reg. 130.
C. The Comprehensive Education Plan shall address updating and maintaining library-media resources.
The above adapted for an e-mail by Sylvia Norton on January 14, 2003.
Please contact Sylvia Norton for further information on this topic.
Sylvia K. Norton
Library, Information, and Technology Services
Maine Department of Education/Maine State Library
207-287-5620
1-800-322-8899
sylvia.k.norton@maine.gov
Mailing address:
Maine State Library
64 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333
1. What are Chapter 125 and 127?
These chapters are the rules schools follow.
- Chapter 125 focuses "What is needed to make a school", facilities, safety, etc.
- Chapter127 focuses on "What is to happen in a school", the instructional piece.
- The local school district decides how to meet the rules - what staff to hire, what courses to have, etc.
2. What is in the current rules about libraries?
- Chapter 125 requires elementary schools to have a library program, secondary schools to have a library facility, and for both schools "The library resources shall be accessible to all students during school hours."
- Chapter 127 requires library instruction in the elementary grades and in secondary instruction "shall emphasize independent research skills".
3. Who to contact for making suggestions?
Deliver to receptionist on 5th floor of Burton Cross Building in Augusta; e-mail to judy.lucarelli@state.me.us ; fax Dr. Judith Lucarelli, Deputy Commissioner,
207-624-6601; or mail to Dr. Judith Lucarelli, Deputy Commissioner, 23
State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0023
Education and Cultural Affairs Committee:
Senator Betty Lou Mitchell (R-Penobscot), Chair
Senator John M. Nutting (D-Androscoggin)
Senator Margaret Rotundo (D-Androscoggin)
Representative Shirley K. Richard (D-Madison), Chair
Representative Mabel J. Desmond (D-Mapleton)
Representative James G. Skoglund (D-St. George)
Representative Elizabeth Watson (D-Farmingdale)
Representative Stephen C. Estes (D-Kittery)
Representative Glenn Cummings (D-Portland)
Representative Vaughn A. Stedman (R-Hartland)*
Representative Mary Black Andrews (R-York)
Representative Carol Weston (R-Montville)
Representative Mary Ellen Ledwin (R-Holden)
Representative Donald G. Soctomah (Passamaquoddy Tribe)
http://janus.state.me.us/house/e_mail.htm for House e-mail addresses
http://www.state.me.us/legis/senate/senators/email/maillst.htm for Senate
e-mail addresses
4. Web sites for more information:
ftp://ftp.state.me.us/pub/sos/cec/rcn/apa/05/071/071c125.doc
http://www.state.me.us/education/Proposedchapter125.htm
ftp://ftp.state.me.us/pub/sos/cec/rcn/apa/05/071/071c127.doc
http://www.state.me.us/education/chapter127change.htm
Some of the questions on MeLibs are about the "equipment" part of the plan. Each district is unique in its need for specific equipment. And equipment needs change from year to year.
As the CEP is a team process, it is best to ask for the input of parents, teachers, any technology staff, and adminstration. And students might be your greatest resource ideas on new equipment!
As it does help to have some ideas ready for discussion, the following two sites are helpful:
Massachuetts standards list some ideas for the rapidly changing technology issues: http://www.doe.mass.edu/mailings/1997/lmstandards.html
The state of Missouri has a nicely organized set of standards to browse for ideas on what to include in your district's plan:
http://www.dese.state.mo.us/divimprove/curriculum/library/
Nancy B. Grant
President MASL
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