Action Planning
Definitions
The SLMS analyzes data from the needs evaluation, identifies strengths and weaknesses of the program, and writes an action plan that includes the long-term goals and short-term (annual) objectives, and the monies needed to finance specific components of the program. The goals and objectives of the action plan comprise the bulk of the budget because they are the program priorities. The action plan is then communicated to the principal and staff, and monitored for progress.
The strategic planning process is continuous and centers around the frequent collection of the data to monitor the progress of the plan’s goals and objectives. An action plan spans a defined period of time, during which it is revised and updated according to the progress made each year. An annual report prepared by the SLMS at the end of each year documents progress towards goals and objectives, and is shared with the principal, library staff, and teachers.
[From: Empowering Learners; Guidelines for School Library Media Programs. American Association of School Librarians, 2009]
Additional Reading
Hughes-Hassell, Sandra and Harada, Violet. School Reform and the School Library Media Specialist. Westport, CN: Libraries Unlimited. 2007.
This resource looks at the school library media specialist as a change agent and offers strategies on how to effect change.
Langhorne, M. J. Evidence-based Practice: Show Me the Evidence! Using Data in Support of Library Media Programs. Knowledge Quest 33, no. 5, 35-37, 2005.
McGhee, Marla W. Jansen, Barbara A. A District-Wide School Library Self Study:
A Story of Improving from Within. Library Media connection, October, 2008.
Pappas, M. L. Designing Learning for Evidence-based Practice. School Library Media Activities Monthly 24, no. 5, 20-23, January, 2008.
Web Resources
Bertland, Linda - Resources for School Librarians, Action Plans for Library Improvement http://www.sldirectory.com/libsf/resf/studies.html#plan 
Action plans detail the steps needed to achieve the mission and defines how to evaluate progress.
- School Library Media and Technology Planning - Resources provided by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
- Program Planning and Development - From the Georgia School Library Media Specialist Handbook.
- School Library Media Center Long Range Planning Template - by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. This template takes you from writing the mission statement to defining goals and objectives and how they will be reached.
- Long Range Plans - Plans from several member of the Massachusetts Library Association.
- Long Range Planning for School Library Media Programs - Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
- The Gilbert High School Action Plan
(137 KB)- 2006 - 2007. Anaheim, CA.
- School Library Media Centers Long Range Planning Guide 2003 - 2008 - Beverly MA Public Schools plan for library improvement.
- Pennsylvania School Librarians Association Strategic Plan 2006 - 2011 - Plan for a state professional association.
Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners
SCHOOL LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER
LONG-RANGE PLANNING GUIDE
A Workbook for Massachusetts School Library Media Centers
MILE Guide – Milestones for Improving Learning and Education
Partnership for 21st Century Skills
The MILE Guide helps districts determine where they are on the spectrum of 21st century skills integration and then use that information to plan a path for future work that brings 21st century skills in their systems of learning.
http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/documents/MILE_Guide_091101.pdf (6.26 MB)
MILE Guide self-assessment tool - http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/documents/mile_guide_tool_091101.pdf (525.88 KB)
SLMPE rubric Action Planning template (Word)
Action planning template adapted from Iowa Parent Information Resource Center, Parent Friendly Schools—Starting the Conversation: 5 Tools for Schools, http://www.iowaparents.org/files/toolkit/2-3.pdf (2.53 MB)
Accountability Chart template (Word)
A template for charting answers to the questions of whom, what, and when in use of the SLMPE rubric, with columns for recording evidence of actions and effects.