December 2, 2014

Mrs. Amy Ethridge-Conti

Principal
Battlefield High School
15000 Graduation Drive
Haymarket, VA 2013
Dear Mrs. Ethridge- Conti:
After analyzing Battlefield High Schools disaggregated testing data, it is clear to see how
well our students are doing. Year after year our students have scored well above the state
benchmark in all curricular areas, many of them scoring advanced. However, upon
further review of the data it came to my attention that our World History I scores have
slipped in the last two years. The 2013 pass rate for World History I was 94%. This
dropped to 92% in 2014. Granted, a 92% pass rate is still outstanding, however this was
the only curricular area where the scores dropped. Wanting to know more information
about the drop in scores, I spoke to a few of the World History I teachers. They told me
their students particularly struggle with geography and analyzing primary sources. This
had me questioning what we could do in the library to help the students and staff in this
specific curricular area.
First, I ran an analysis of our library collection. I used the TitleWise Collection Analysis
program. The data showed that we have many historical maps and primary sources
available; however both areas are below the suggested percentage. In addition to running
the analysis, I personally looked at the books. I found that many of the books were
outdated, difficult to read, and not user friendly. Many of the books looked like they have
never been opened. Primary sources are difficult to analyze because they arent going to
be on grade level for high school students. However, there are resources that can help
teachers teach students how to break down and analyze these sources. Neither the library
nor the Social Studies departments own any of these resources.
Next, I met with the teachers of the World History I PLC and asked them what resources
they need and what I could do to help. They told me many of the questions on the SOL
are map and quote based. They are multi-step questions that require the students to know
more than basic knowledge of the subject. The teachers felt that the countys pacing
guide was so tight, they dont have time to come down to the library for projects. They
suggested having sets of historical maps or primary sources that could be checked out to
their classroom would be more useful. They also stated that they have a difficult time
finding teaching resources for certain topics; particularly Ancient Mesopotamia, World
Religions, and the Byzantine Empire.
The attached list includes a variety of resources that I believe would help our students
succeed on the World History I SOL. Not only will these resources help students pass the
SOL, but these resources teach life skills. Using these resources, students will learn how
to apply their knowledge of ancient history to real life situations, such as reading a map.

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The World History I PLC leader and I worked together to compile this list of resources.
The World History I teachers came up with a list of requests. For each item on their wish
list, I located and read a variety of reviews. I chose the ten items I believe, after doing
much research, would best serve our population of students. The list contains a variety of
resources- books, resources kits, teacher resources, and geographical resources. All of
these resources would be new to our library, as we do not have anything similar. Once I
compiled this list I presented at a World History I meeting. The teachers were very
excited to possibly have the opportunity to have access to these resources. We all believe
that they will not only enhance the curriculum, but will engage the students, which can be
a challenge at this level.
Thank you for taking this list into consideration when it comes time to purchasing items
to enhance our library. It is greatly appreciated. Please contact me with any questions or
concerns you may have.
Sincerely,
Magee M. Kloepfer
Battlefield High School
Librarian
See Attachement