Collecting and Documenting Evidence of Best Practice

Eric Sanderson

CA / CO

Moreillon, J. (2014, November). Collecting and documenting evidence of best practice. School Library Monthly, 31(2), 27-28, 59.

Summary. In this brief article, Moreillon addresses the need for school librarians to take an active role in collecting evidence that demonstrates meaningful learning and teaching outcomes associated with library instruction and with classroom teacher-school librarian collaboration. Using the foundational concepts of evidence-based practice as an organizational framework, Moreillon introduces school librarians to a documentation process that extends far beyond the collection and reporting of traditional school library metrics (e.g., inventory data, circulation data, visitation data). Moreillon provides both broad background information and specific application examples to help school librarians of all experience levels better understand (a) the idea of evidence-based practice and (b) the steps associated with developing and documenting best-practice interactions with students and educators.

Evaluation. Though basic, broad, and brief, I found this article to be a useful complement to the Module 2 component of INFO 250. In other words, it is not enough simply to collaborate with classroom teachers or to create and implement lessons that look good on paper or on a knowledge building center—planning, reflection, and documentation based on evidence-based practice and guided by best-practice principles are fundamental expectations in an education climate marked by accountability. I believe Moreillon’s article is an excellent practical introduction to a complex topic that will grow progressively more important in the years to come.