A functional learning resource center for an elementary school

"January 1971, College of Education and University Extension Division cooperating."One of the important dimensions of the current revolution in elementary education is the individualization of instruction-a dimension which forces the teacher to change his role from being primarily a dispenser of information to one of diagnostician and prescriber. Individualized instruction can be labeled as one of the fastest moving innovations in elementary education today. At least many educators are giving lip service to it, and many are eagerly attempting to put the concept into practice. As I work with educators in Missouri and other states, I find there is a sincere desire to implement a program of individualization. Two factors which I feel are essential in the initiation of a program on individualized learning are: (1) a set of guidelines stated so that skills to be developed are definitely defined and (2) an abundance and variety of supplementary materials. To accomplish the first factor, teachers must decide on the behavioral objectives for each academic subject from ·kindergarten through sixth grade. To fulfill the second, they must select from supplementary texts, pamphlets, records, films, and tapes the materials which meet these objectives on all levels for varying learning and study styles. A trend is to house these materials in a Leaming Resource Center (LRC) so they are readily available to all students of the school. It is my observation that establishment of a Learning Resource Center is one of the first steps in individualizing instruction. After the teacher has made an accurate diagnosis and has written an appropriate prescription for the individual the materials are then easily accessible. In my work as an elementary specialist for continuing professional education, I have found a limited number of Learning Resource Centers in operation. Educators know the value of these centers and they desire help in establishing and administrating one. The Learning Resource Center must have financing and backing of the school district if it is to function efficiently. The Board of Education of Clayton, Mo., granted funds to McMorrow Elementary School to develop a Learning Resource Center. In the following pages George Fairgrieve, Principal; Jane Coffey, Learning Resource Center Director; and Barbara Lehman, Primary Teacher; describe the functional Learning Resource Center at McMorrow Elementary School. As I edited this material, I knew it would be a beneficial document and tool of reference for you in establishing your LRC. Probably you will not need to utilize nor will you agree with all of the material as stated. However, you should find much of it adaptable to your school situation. It is my recommendation that as you read this monograph you note what appears usable and modify it into a functional plan for your school. Then you will have made an excellent beginning.--Introduction.Includes bibliographical reference