Georgia+Performance+Standards+(GPS)

Georgia’s current curriculum is called the **Georgia Performance Standards**. It has been rolled out gradually, with a new discipline each year. The entire curriculum can be found on these GPS websites: http://www.doe.k12.ga.us/ and http://www.fultonschools.org/ under the side bar menu "School system links".

In addition, SAMS is an online Student Achievement Management System which has units matched to GPS standards. Information about SAMS can be found under Outlook – Public Folders – SAMS. Media Specialists can receive logon information, including a password, by calling 404-763-6839 (Strategic Planning – Melissa Phillips).

With a school curriculum map and a basic knowledge of the GPS standards, the Media Specialist should collaborate with staff to create lessons and purchase media center materials to support the teaching of the standards. Many of the standards under English/Language Arts directly relate to Media Center activities.


 * Media Program Guidelines**

AASL Standards for the 21st Century Learner (2007) http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aaslproftools/learningstandards/standards.cfm These new standards will replace the Information Power standards from 1998.

Judy Serritella (GADOE Media Department) is currently revising the state media handbook.

Fulton County District Policy IFA, Procedure IFA http://www.boarddocs.com/ga/fcss/Board.nsf/PolicyBooks?OpenFrameset The Procedures document covers media committees, system media contact person, facilities, selection, evaluation and utilization of instructional materials, copyright adherence and requests for reconsideration of instructional materials. Media centers should have printed copies of both the policy and procedure at hand in their files.

State and Accreditation Standards > www.doe.k12.ga.us > Look for the “Georgia Keys” - the title of the rubrics document dated May 2007; it is 89 pages long. > Georgia Rule 160-4-4-.01 Media Programs > http://www.doe.k12.ga.us/pea_board.aspx?PageReq=PEABoardRules > Georgia definition of “Media Materials”: > Media materials are those instructional materials including print, non-print, periodicals, online databases, supplies, and equipment that are critical to the support and enhancement of the school library media center program. These materials are housed in and circulated through the library media center for use by the entire learning community of the school. > > AdvancED Standards (SACS/CASI) > http://www.sacscasi.org/ > These replace the former SACS standards after the South Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI) merged with North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI) and the National Study of School Evaluation (NSSE) in April 2006. The new organization is named AdvancED. > At the website the standards are found at AdvancED Standards for Quality Schools and AdvancED Standards for Quality School Systems. Fulton County is now accredited as a district entity. There are Examples of Evidence documents under development with sample ideas. Under “Standard 3: Teaching and Learning,” there are Artifacts listed related to media centers. (There are no longer quantitative standards for collections, i.e. ten books per student, etc. The Georgia Accrediting Commission, which does not accredit Fulton County Schools, does still have the 10 books per student standard.) > > AdvancED Educational Practices Reference Guide – A Resource to the Standards for Quality Schools > These recently completed “guidelines” have reinstated a full-time media specialist at the elementary level for schools of 250-499. There is a10 books per student recommendation again, and they have added a clause for electronic books. Library media certification has also been upheld. > http://www.advanc-ed.org/accreditation/standards/
 * Georgia State School Standards (School Keys)