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Volume 11, Issue 2
May 2012
Association News
Education News
Resources for School Librarians
Grants & Awards
Partnership News
Member Spotlight
 Gail Dickinson Elected 2013-2014 AASL President
Gail Dickinson, associate professor at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia has been elected to the 2013-2014 presidency of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL). Dickinson has been an active member of AASL for several decades. In recent years she served as chair of Research & Statistics (2011-2012), the AASL Nominating Committee (2010), and co-chair of the task force writing the 2007 AASL Standards for the 21st Century Learners. Dickinson will become president-elect on July 1, 2012, and will assume the AASL presidency on July 1, 2013, following the ALA Annual Conference in Chicago. Other AASL members elected to office include:
AASL Board
Robbie Leah Nickel - Member-At-Large
Sara Kelly Johns - Division Councilor
Eileen F. Kern - Director-Elect Region 2
Michelle McBenge Wilson - Director-Elect Region 5
Ken W. Stewart - Director-Elect Region 9
Judy T. Bivens - Educators of School Librarians Section (ESLS) Chair-Elect
Ramona Kerby - ESLS Secretary
Independent Schools Section (ISS)
Cheri Dobbs - ISS Chair-Elect
Cathy Gulley Evans - ISS Representative to the Board
Supervisors Section (SPVS)
Kathryn Roots Lewis - SPVS Chair-Elect
You can read more about the election at the AASL elections Web page.
 AASL Launches New Professional Development Resource - eCOLLAB
AASL has debuted a new feature of AASL membership, eCOLLAB –Your eLearning Laboratory: Content Collaboration Community. This repository of AASL professional development provides members and subscribers with a central location to find and manage their e-learning as well as to connect with others in the learning community. eCOLLAB contains webcasts, podcasts, and resources from various AASL professional development events, as well as the latest issue Knowledge Quest in an interactive PDF format. The repository currently hosts digital resources such as handouts and presentations on relevant topics such as 21st century standards, student achievement, collaboration and assessment. At launch, the site contains over 25 webcasts and over 70 session handouts/presentations. New resources will continue to migrate to the repository, keeping e-learning opportunities consistently fresh and focused on the topics facing the profession today. eCOLLAB is available to
AASL personal members as a feature of their membership and non-members can access eCOLLAB via paid subscription.
AASL members can access eCOLLAB by logging into the AASL website using their ALA-provided website login. Nonmembers can receive access to eCOLLAB resources with an annual subscription of $199 per year. Visit the eCOLLAB Website to access its resources or to subscribe.
AASL President Comments on White House Response to School Library Petition
President Obama’s administration has responded to the petition created in support of school library programs by Carl Harvey, Indiana school librarian and the president of AASL. Harvey discusses the response from Roberto Rodriguez, special assistant to the president for education policy, in his latest blog post. By using the “We the People” petition website provided by whitehouse.gov, Harvey called on the administration to ensure every child in America has access to an effective school library program by using the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) to provide dedicated funding to help support those programs. Posted on Jan. 5, 2012, the petition had one month to garner the 25,000 signatures needed to
require a response from the White House. Through grassroots communication efforts, the threshold was crossed Jan. 31 – four days before the Feb. 4 deadline. To date, the petition has received 28,619 signatures.
 AASL Announces 2012 Award Winners
Each year AASL presents awards and grants to school librarians and educators who make outstanding contributions to school librarianship and school library development. The AASL award winners will be honored at AASL's Awards Luncheon during ALA's 2012 Annual Conference in Anaheim, Calif. The luncheon will be held Monday, June 25. Carmen Agra Deedy, best-selling author and ardent supporter of libraries, will attend the ceremony courtesy of Peachtree Publishing.
 AASL President Recognizes Senator Jack Reed with AASL Crystal Apple
AASL President Carl Harvey has selected Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island as the recipient of the 2012 Crystal Apple or his years of strong advocacy to secure support and funding for school libraries in Congress. The honor is given at the discretion of the AASL president to an individual or group that has had a significant impact on school library programs and students.Harvey presented the apple to Senator Reed in a special ceremony taking place during National Library Legislation Day (NLLD) on April 23. In addition to the Crystal Apple, Senator Reed was bestowed with an Honorary Membership by the American Library Association (ALA) in recognition of his continuing and unwavering support of libraries in the U.S.
Congress.
To learn more about the AASL President's Crystal Apple and its recipients visit the AASL Awards Web page.
 Two School Districts Receive the National School Library Program of the Year Award
AASL has named South Texas Independent School District (STISD) and Hinsdale Township High School District 86, recipients of the 2012 National School Library Program of the Year (NSLPY) Award. Established in 1963, the NSLPY Award honors school library programs practicing their commitment to ensure that students and staff are effective users of ideas and information, as well as exemplifying implementation of AASL’s learning standards and program guidelines. The award recognizes exemplary school library programs that are fully
integrated into the school's curriculum. Sponsored by Follett Library Resources, each recipient is recognized with a crystal obelisk and $10,000 for their school library program.
To learn more about the National School Library Program of the Year (NSLPY) Award and its recipients visit the AASL Awards Web page.
 Sharon Coatney Receives AASL Distinguished Service Award
Sharon Coatney is the 2012 recipient of the AASL Distinguished Service Award. Established in 1978 and sponsored by Baker and Taylor, the award recognizes an individual member of the library profession who has, over a significant period of time, made an outstanding national contribution to school librarianship and school library development. Dedicated to the profession, Coatney has been described as “influential in providing a model of what a school library should be.” She moved from directing a program in a small district in rural Kansas to serving in leadership positions in both state and national organizations.
To learn more about the AASL Distinguished Service Award visit the AASL Awards Web page.
Albany High School Educators Win AASL Collaborative School Library Award
The “EDSET Research Poster Session and Podcast Project” team from Albany High School in Albany, Calif., is the 2012 recipient of the AASL Collaborative School Library Award. The team – consisting of Sara Oremland, school librarian; Darren McNally, environmental science teacher; Corinne Berletti, history teacher; and Jessica Park, English teacher – works with junior and senior high school students participating in the school’s Environmental Design, Sciences, Engineering, and Technology (EDSET) academy. Sponsored by Highsmith, the $2,500 AASL Collaborative School Library Award recognizes and encourages collaboration and partnerships between school librarians and teachers in meeting goals outlined in “Empowering Learners: Guidelines for School Library Programs” through joint planning of a program, unit or event in support of the curriculum and using school library resources. To learn more about the AASL Collaborative School Library Award visit
the AASL Awards Web page.
 AASL Innovative Reading Grant Awarded to Kristine Klopp
Kristine Klopp’s project, “Square Off for Reading!,” is the 2012 recipient of the AASL Innovative Reading Grant. Sponsored by Capstone, this grant of $2,500 supports the planning and implementation of a unique and innovative program for children that motivates and encourages reading, especially with struggling readers. The “Square Off for Reading!” project will pair Klopp, the school librarian at Lindbergh Elementary School in Madison, Wis., with the school's educational specialist to provide a fun and challenging summer reading program.
To learn more about the AASL Innovative Reading Grant visit the AASL Awards Web page.
 ABC-CLIO Leadership Grant Awarded to the Iowa Association of School Librarians
The Iowa Association of School Librarians (IASL) and its program “Growing the Next Generation of Leaders: A Leadership Academy,” were named the winner of AASL’s 2012 ABC-CLIO Leadership Grant. Established in 1986 and sponsored by ABC-CLIO, the grant of $1,750 is given to school library associations that are AASL affiliates for planning and implementing leadership programs at the state, regional or local levels. The goals of IASL’s leadership academy are to develop the leadership skills of a new generation of school librarians and to identify and engage new leaders for the association. To accomplish this, project leaders will develop a two-day academy during which selected school librarians will develop skills such as leading from the middle, advocacy and effective communication, mentoring and principle-centered leadership.
To learn more about the AASL ABC-CLIO Leadership Grant visit the AASL Awards Web page.
 AASL Research Grants Awarded to Ann Dutton Ewbank and Daniella Smith
Researchers Ann Dutton Ewbank from Arizona and Daniella Smith from Texas are the 2012 recipients of the AASL Research Grant sponsored by Capstone. Established in 1993, AASL Research Grants are given to up to two school librarians, library educators or library information science or education professors to conduct innovative research aimed at measuring and evaluating the impact of school library programs on learning and education.
Ann’s project, “The Role of Teacher Unions in School Library Advocacy: A Case Study of the British Columbia Teacher-Librarians’ Association and the British Columbia Teacher’s Federation,” will investigate the unique relationship between the two organizations and how they work together to advocate for strong school library programs in the Canadian province.
 Daniella’s project, “An Examination of the Impact of Resiliency and School Organizational Structures on the Self-Perceived Leadership Behaviors of School Librarians,” is designed to determine the impact of resiliency and school organizational structure on the leadership behaviors of school librarians.
To learn more about the AASL Research Grant visit the AASL Awards Web page.
 Mays and Kahn Win AASL Information Technology Pathfinder Award
School librarians Sally Mays and Elizabeth Kahn are the recipients of the 2012 AASL Information Technology Pathfinder Award. Sponsored by Follett Software Company, the $1,500 award recognizes and honors two school librarians – one elementary and one secondary – for demonstrating vision and leadership through the use of information technology to build lifelong learners.
 Sally Mays, the recipient of the elementary division award, is the bibliotecaria at Robbinsdale Spanish Immersion, a kindergarten through fifth grade magnet school located in New Hope, Minn. She faces the challenge of empowering students for whom Spanish is their second language by helping them develop information literacy and research skills. Through technology, Mays is able to meet the needs of the students in ways not previously possible.
Elizabeth Kahn, the recipient of the secondary division award, is the school librarian at Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy in Jefferson, La, which serves grades 6-12. The academy is the only Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) school in the Jefferson Public School System as well as the only school in the system to have a one-to-one laptop program.
To learn more about the AASL Information Technology Pathfinder Award visit the AASL Awards Web page.
AASL Frances Henne Award Goes to Alisa Auchmoedy-Finck
Alisa Auchmoedy-Finck, school librarian at the Marbletown Elementary School in Stone Ridge, N.Y., is the 2012 recipient of the AASL Frances Henne Award. Established in 1986, the $1,250 award, sponsored by ABC-CLIO, recognizes a school librarian with five years or less experience who demonstrates leadership qualities with students, teachers and administrators. As the award recipient, Auchmoedy-Finck has the opportunity to attend her first ALA Annual Conference.
A second-year school librarian after years working as a classroom teacher, Auchmoedy-Finck strives to provide each of her students with the tools needed to succeed in the 21st century. Her instruction ranges from teaching kindergartners the very basics of navigating the library to empowering fourth graders to analyze and present information they’ve learned in creative, engaging ways. To accomplish this, she has created interactive review games, a Website, and WebQuests that support the curriculum and are also used by the school’s classroom teachers.
To learn more about the AASL Frances Henne Award visit the AASL Awards Web page.
 Mat McRae Receives AASL Distinguished School Administrators Award
Mat McRae, principal of Swan Valley high school in Saginaw, Mich., is the 2012 recipient of the AASL Distinguished School Administrators Award. Faced with the potential elimination of the Swan Valley high school library program as a way to overcome budget shortfalls, Principal Mat McRae vowed that as long as he was principal, there would be no cuts to the library program. Believing that the school library program is the answer to most of the issues, questions, dilemmas, technology and educational problems faced by public schools, he instead made other adjustments to the budget, even earmarking money from his administrative funds to maintain library spending. The school library program at Swan Valley high school has been transformed since McRae took over as principal nearly a decade ago. Former students and staff members once described the old library as an echoing “tomb” that no one entered. Today, the library is alive with
activity, as McRae encourages the entire staff and student body to become involved in library programs.
To learn more about the AASL Distinguished School Administrators Award visit the AASL Awards Web page.
Kristin Fontichiaro and R. David Lankes Join Henry Jenkins as AASL 2012 Fall Forum Facilitators
AASL has added Kristin Fontichiaro and R. David Lankes to the roster of facilitators for AASL’s 2012 Fall Forum, "Transliteracy and the School Library Program.” Fontichiaro and Lankes will join media studies scholar, Henry Jenkins, in providing a comprehensive overview of transliteracy and its importance in education during AASL’s national institute taking place Oct. 12-13, 2012, in Greenville, S.C.
 Kristin Fontichiaro is a clinical assistant professor at the University of Michigan School of Information, where she coordinates the school library media program. She also co-teaches a teaching with technology course in the University of Michigan school of education. Fontichiaro was named an Emerging Leader by the American Library Association, a distinguished alumna by the Wayne State University library and information science program and a 2012 Library Journal Mover and Shaker. She writes a blog and writes the “Nudging Toward Inquiry” column for School Library Monthly. She will work with Fall Forum attendees to deconstruct the concept of transliteracy into smaller, more manageable facets, and focus on how to collaboratively work with teachers to empower students with transliteracy skills.
 R. David Lankes is a professor and Dean’s Scholar for the New Librarianship at Syracuse University’s school of information studies, director of the library science program for the school and director of the Information Institute of Syracuse. His book, "The Atlas of New Librarianship," won the 2012 ABC-CLIO/Greenwood Award for the Best Book in Library Literature. He will advise attendees on how to advocate for and highlight the relevance of school librarians in environment of ever-changing educational priorities, and guide them through building community engagement and
cultivating school boards.
The AASL Fall Forum is a multi-day national institute held during non-AASL national conference years. A more intimate event, the institute focuses on one topic of importance to the profession. Transliteracy and the School Library Program will be held Oct. 12-13, 2012, in Greenville, S.C., and via satellite sites in Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Pennsylvania, North Texas and the California Bay Area. More information on programming, sites and registration can be found at the Fall Forum Website.
 AASL Debuts New Website and Format for School Library Research
AASL has launched a new website for its online, referred research journal, School Library Research (SLR). The new website coincides with a new name for the journal formerly known as School Library Media Research (SLMR). The name change reflects the adoption of the professional title, “school librarian,” and a rebirth for the journal, which presents research on instructional theory, teaching methods and critical issues relevant to school libraries and school librarians. Along with the change in name and a new logo, the new School Library Research website contains all new navigation, formatting and features. Changes include:
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A new PDF format for all published manuscripts beginning with Volume 15 (2012) and a retroactive conversion of all prior volumes.
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The ability to download each manuscript individually or all manuscripts contained in a volume. Volume files include a cover with the new logo and table of contents.
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Revised submission guidelines and a new online manuscript submission form.
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New communication venues including an electronic mailing list and a news and highlights page for those wanting to keep up to date with the latest published research. A new feedback form allows readers to share feedback on published manuscripts.
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Correlations to other AASL publications. This includes an all new Editor’s Choice, a bibliography of SLR manuscripts that provide insight into chapters from AASL’s Empowering Learners: Guidelines for School Library Programs and a Knowledge Quest spotlight page, highlighting manuscripts that complement Knowledge Quest themes.
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A new citations page, listing all SLR citations in alphabetical order by volume and author.
In addition to the new features, the website launch also marks the publication of the first three research papers of Volume 15 (2012).
AASL Offers Professional Development Webinars for Members
AASL is offering three complimentary professional development webinars in May and June for AASL personal members.
Tech Flex: A No-Cost Staff Technology Training Program Organized and Guided by the Librarian
Presenters: Lindsey Myers and Emily Sanders
Wednesday, May 16, 2012 | 6:00 p.m. CDT
In the age of the 21st-century learner, a school needs a guide to lead teachers to the best new online tools and resources. The librarian can be that indispensable guide, as is the case with the Tech Flex technology professional development program at Peters Township High School. Come to this presentation to learn how administration and the librarian can work together to facilitate teacher-led professional development opportunities for staff without violating the terms of a teacher contract. You’ll come away knowing how to create a similar program of no-cost professional development seminars using a free online tool such as Google Apps, as well as how to get your own administration on board with such a program. A big bonus for you is that this method of creating professional development opportunities encourages faculty to view the librarian as a resource for new technology.
Common Core Carpe Diem: Seize the Day on Information Integration!
Presenter: Paige Jaeger
Wednesday, June 6, 2012 | 6:00 p.m. CDT
With the adoption of the Common Core Learning Standards comes a paradigm shift in both content and pedagogy. The librarian, or cybrarian, can play a vital role to assist teachers in implementing the CCSS. Technology will no longer save your job-it will certainly help, but it is no longer being the focus for star performance. To survive budget cuts, we need to become an essential link in content delivery and achievement.
The Transformative Power of Care
Presenter: Olga Nesi
Tuesday, June 12, 2012 | 7:00 p.m. CDT
Care is central to the improvement of all school library endeavors. Interactions, inquiry instruction, readers’ advisory, collection development and the library’s physical environment are all positively transformed by the consistent demonstration and application of care.
To register for a professional development program visit the AASL Website.
AASL Seeks Proposals for Preconference Workshops at the AASL 16th National Conference
AASL invites proposals for preconference workshops to be presented during the AASL 16th National Conference and Exhibition. Preconference workshops will be held on Wed., Nov. 13 and Thurs., Nov 14. The submission deadline is 11:59 p.m. CDT on Friday, Jun. 15, 2012.
Proposals should be for half- or full-day preconference workshops. All proposals should include up to three learning objectives and should address how the session supports the AASL Strategic Plan, the AASL Standards for the 21st-Century Learner, and/or Empowering Learners: Guidelines for School Library Programs. The
AASL National Conference committee will evaluate proposals for clarity, originality and timeliness. Submissions will only be accepted via the online form. Email, mail or fax submissions will not be accepted. Submitters will be notified of their proposal's status on or before Friday, Aug. 17, 2012.
The AASL National Conference and Exhibition, "Rising to the Challenge," is the only national conference dedicated solely to the needs of school librarians and their roles as educational leaders. Taking place Nov. 13-17, 2013 in Hartford, Conn., the AASL National Conference will feature preconference workshops, concurrent sessions and an exhibition featuring companies relevant to the school library profession. More information on the conference, including special events, author appearances, and keynote presenters will be available on or before January 2013.
AASL Announces Winners of the School Library Month Video Contest
AASL is proud to announce the winners of the "You Belong @ Your School Library" Student Video Contest. The contest solicited videos illustrating why the school library is (either physically or virtually) the place to be. Forty-two entries were received, and one winner at the elementary, middle and high school levels was selected based on scores awarded by a panel of judges.
The winning entries are:
Elementary School
Why We Love the Library!
Town School For Boys
San Francisco, Calif.
Middle School
Top Ten Tips for Library Fun
Harry F. Byrd Middle School
Richmond, Va.
High School
You Belong @ Your School Library
White Plains High School
Anniston, Ala.
Student winners will receive a $100 Amazon.com gift card and Mackin will provide their school library a prize of $500 in books. In addition, winning entries will be featured on the AASL and SchoolTube websites and social networking platforms. All contest entries can be seen via AASL’s 2012 School Library Month SchoolTube.
Founder of School Library Month Shares Her Story in New Audio Podcast
Lucille Thomas, chair of the first School Library Month committee, shares the planning and presentation of the first month dedicated to celebrating the school library profession in a new audio podcast presented by AASL. Interviewed by Susan Hess, member of 2012 School Library Month committee, Thomas speaks about developing a national celebration for AASL and the officially declaration of the April as National School Library Month in 1985.
For a more detailed history of School Library Month, and sample proclamations to share with local elected officials, visit the School Library Month Website.
AASL Joins CoSN in Release of Report on Mobile Technologies and Social Media
AASL has joined with the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) and other leading education associations in releasing a new report aimed at helping inform and guide education decision makers as they revise policies related to the use of mobile technologies and social media in schools. The report, “Making Progress: Rethinking State and School District Policies Concerning Mobile Technologies and Social Media,” was produced by CoSN and the FrameWorks Institute.
The report includes several key observations:
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The use of mobile Internet devices and social media by young people is widely prevalent. The use of student-owned mobile devices for classroom instruction is growing, and more schools are moving from policies that ban their use to integrating them into the classroom.
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Students and schools experience substantial educational benefits through the use of mobile devices and social media.
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There are legitimate concerns about the use of social media that need to be addressed.
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Current federal, state and local policies and procedures need modification or clarification in order to respond to current realities of expanded social media and mobile devices in schools.
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Equity is a vital issue to consider when establishing policy around social media and mobile technologies.
AASL Seeks Proposals for ALA 2013 Annual Conference Programs
AASL invites proposals for programs to be presented during the American Library Association (ALA) 2013 Annual Conference. The conference will be held June 27- July 2 in Chicago. The submission deadline is 5:00 pm CDT on Friday, June 1, 2012. AASL seeks proposals for 90 90-minute concurrent sessions and half- or full-day preconference workshops. All programs should include up to three learning objectives and should address how the session supports the AASL Strategic Plan, the AASL Standards for the 21st-Century Learner, and/or Empowering Learners: Guidelines for School Library Programs. The AASL Annual Conference committee will evaluate proposals for clarity, originality, and timeliness. Submissions will only be accepted via the online form. Submitters will be notified as to the proposal's status on or before Friday, July
13, 2012.
AASL Seeks Researcher for Survey Analysis
AASL is seeking a researcher or team of researchers to assist in a data analysis of its national longitudinal survey of school library programs, School Libraries Count! The data to be analyzed runs from the survey’s inception in 2007 through 2011. The researcher, or research team selected, will be expected to create a statistical analysis using five years of raw survey data from School Libraries Count! and create a report to be published and distributed by AASL. While AASL will share the entire report with AASL members, the researcher or research team will work with AASL to submit selected results in peer-reviewed journals outside of the school library profession. Additionally, the researcher or research team will collaborate with AASL to
submit programs related to the findings to venues both inside and outside the profession.
Those interested should submit a cover letter describing their qualifications, resume and a proposal detailing how the required tasks will be completed to the AASL office no later than May 25. Visit AASL’s Request for Proposals page to submit a proposal and for contact information. Finalists will be interviewed by phone or in-person during the ALA 2012 Annual Conference taking place June 20-26 in Anaheim, Calif.
 Best-Selling Author Carmen Agra Deedy to Speak at AASL Awards Luncheon
New York Times best-selling author Carmen Agra Deedy will speak during the annual Awards Luncheon for AASL. The luncheon will be held Monday, June 25, during the ALA 2012 Annual Conference in Anaheim, Calif. Deedy’s children's books have won numerous awards, including the Jane Addams Peace Association Book Award, the International Latino Book Award and the Best Children's Books of the Year from the Bank Street College of Education. She served as the 2008 spokesperson for AASL's School Library Month and has shared her stories with hundreds of thousands of school children.
The AASL Awards Luncheon highlights the best of the best in the school library field and gives members a chance to celebrate the accomplishments of their colleagues. Luncheon tickets are $55 and must be purchased in advance. The deadline for purchase is June 15. Deedy’s appearance at the awards luncheon is sponsored by Peachtree Publishers. To register for the luncheon, and for more information about this and other AASL events at the 2012 ALA Annual Conference, visit the conference website.
AASL's eAcademy Offers Additional Online Courses
Register now for one or more of AASL’s e-Academy courses scheduled through the end of summer. The four-week self-paced courses are designed to give participants 12 hours of learning led by experts in the school library field. The upcoming courses include:
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Jul. 9 – Aug. 3 Design for Understanding Meets the 21st Century School Librarian
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Jul. 16 – Aug. 10 From 0 to 60: Implement eBooks in Your Library Program in 4 Weeks
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Jul. 16 – Aug. 10 Making a Place, Making a Case for Read-Alouds: A Powerful Teaching Tool for Literacy
AASL e-Academy courses are led in Moodle, a Web-based online learning system that students access from their browser. Each course is designed with the busy school librarian in mind - participants can complete coursework at a time that is most convenient for them. Detailed descriptions of each course and registration information are available on the AASL e-Academy pages.
Register for AASL Preconferences at the 2012 ALA Annual Conference
This year’s conference in Anaheim, CA will bring together more than 25,000 librarians, educators, authors, publishers, literacy experts, illustrators and the leading suppliers to the market. As part of this annual event, AASL will offer three exciting preconferences on Friday, June 22:
Libraries in the Cloud
8:30 am to Noon
Doug Johnson will host this preconference on how libraries can benefit by moving to the cloud and what role librarians can play when staff and student applications become hosted. The session discusses the implication of hosted computer applications and resources on school library programs and the role of the school librarian.
Leading Professional Development that Matters…and Works
12:30 pm to 4:00 pm
Debbie Abilock, Kristin Fontichiaro, and Violet H. Harada will discuss several professional development models for cultivating leadership in school librarians, and explore how schools can be improved from the inside out.
Ticket price information for these AASL preconferences can be found at the ALA Annual Conference Website. For more information on AASL preconferences and sessions at the 2012 ALA annual Conference visit the AASL @ ALA Annual Conference website.
Rutgers Study Finds Effective School Libraries Impact Entire School
A recent two-phase study by Rutgers University's Center for International Scholarship in School Libraries (CISSL) found that an effective school library not only impacts student achievement positively, it lifts a school's entire educational climate. The study, conducted on behalf of the New Jersey Association of School Librarians (NJASL), noted that effective school libraries reflect strong cooperation, collaboration, and communication among classroom teachers, administrators and school librarians. The study said participants in 12 focus groups provided evidence that the school library shapes the learning environment by:
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Providing equitable and stable information access to all
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Establishing a learning environment where students are guided by professionals to effectively utilize information and technology tools in ethical and safe ways
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Supporting investigation and experimentation with information and technology to foster quality teaching that empowers learning across the school
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Conducting substantial, cost-effective, hands-on professional development to faculty and staff through the cooperative design of learning experiences that integrate information and technology
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Contributing quality teaching in schools through the provision of inquiry-based instruction implemented through instructional teams
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Offering a central, safe place that removes barriers and constraints to learning with information resources and information technology
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Offering services that are different from those provided in the classroom: It connects information and expertise at the intersection of digital and print information in and beyond the walls of the school
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Providing a center, not only for information exchange and reading enrichment, but for for digital literacy
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Building capacity for students’ critical engagement with information, with an emphasis the critical evaluation of sources, on the critical interrogation of diverse sources of information, and on asking, thinking and creating
Study Finds Struggling Students Enjoy Reading More with Kindles
“Reluctant Readers in Middle School: Successful Engagement with Text Using the E-Reader,” a study of struggling middle school students, found that the kids felt better about reading after a course in which they used Amazon Kindles. The research, published in the International Journal of Applied Science and Technology was based on a two-month study of 199 middle-schoolers in a reading improvement class in Texas. They had 15 to 25 minutes every day when they were free to read on the Kindle. In general, the students felt the device improved their reading ability and they enjoyed using it. They also noted the ease of carrying multiple books in one device, and commented that reading on a high-tech device was not a “boring waste of
time” like reading traditional books. Some readers mentioned that the Kindle saved them from embarrassment because it kept peers in the dark about what title they were reading.
Pew Survey Finds e-Readers Renew Love of Book Reading in All Formats
According to a survey by the Pew Internet and American Life Project, a fifth of American adults (age 16 and older) have read an electronic version of a book in the last year, a trend that is fueling a renewed love of reading. The portion of e-book readers among all American adults has increased to 21 percent from 17 percent between December and February, due in large part to a boom in tablet and e-reader sales. E-book readers plowed through an average of 24 titles in the past year, the study found, compared with an average of 15 for readers of physical books. Researchers also discovered that e-book readers are also checking out more books at libraries and buying more at bookstores and online – nine in 10 e-book readers said they have also read printed books in the past year. The Pew survey found that 30 percent of those who read e-content now spend more time reading.
Annenberg Institute Report Reveals Common Strategies for College Readiness
A new report from the Annenberg Institute for School Reform examines the burgeoning field of college readiness, with models to help districts, schools, and other interested stakeholders prepare students for college success. The report is part of the College Readiness Indicator System initiative funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The report defines college-readiness through three dimensions – academic preparedness, academic tenacity, and college knowledge. Researchers found that common strategies to help students gain content-area knowledge and key cognitive skills for success in college include: aligning standards, curricula, and assessments to college-ready expectations; using data to drive college-readiness policies; and intervening early to keep students on a college-ready track. The study also discusses what makes programs successful, such as supporting students through the college-planning process, and engaging families in learning
about and supporting college-going.
Article in American Journalism Review Questions Media Coverage of "Failing" Schools
An article by Paul Farhi in The American Journalism Review asks, “Have the nation's schools have gotten noticeably worse, or media coverage has made it seem that way? According to Farhi, if you plug in the phrase "failing schools" to Nexis, an electronic database for legal and public-records related information, you will get 544 hits in newspapers and wire stories for January 2012 alone. However, he writes, there is a lot of positive data that isn’t being reported. American elementary and middle school students have improved performance on the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study every four years since the tests began in 1995 and are above the international average in all categories, and within a few percentage points of global leaders. Another data point: The number of Americans with at least some college education has ballooned over the past 70 years, from 10 percent in 1940 to 56 percent today, even as our population has
tripled and grown more diverse. Farhi says a 2011 Gallop poll found the percentage of parents grading their children's school A was at its highest ever (37 percent), yet only 1 percent rated the nation's schools overall that way. Gallup asked people about the disparity, and found people knew local schools through direct experience, but learned about education nationally through the media. Farhi concludes that the performance of schools is much more complicated and journalists should provide a broader frame to assess alleged problems with the state of the education system.
Innovate Programs Boost Student Achievement in 28 States
The State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) released a series of case studies from 28 states highlighting examples of innovative educational initiatives that are playing a crucial role in improving K-12 education across the country. The programs identified in these case studies were funded through the Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT) program as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). The case studies are illustrative of unique state grant programs tailored to meet the needs of teachers and students in those states. Educators and students across the country have benefitted from these innovative programs as shown by higher formative and standardized test scores, increased technology literacy and technology integration, improved access to both digital curriculum resources and project based learning initiatives and increased student engagement. While each program is unique, some common themes have
emerged:
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Scaling Up Successful Programs: ARRA EETT funds enabled states and districts to scale up research-based innovative programs, such asNorth Carolina’s IMPACT and the Texas Immersion Pilot (TIP).
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Innovating for Learning: Many grantees supported the development of project-based learning curricula and the development of digital and open educational resources through technology-rich learning environments.
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Supporting Educator Effectiveness: States and districts provided high-quality professional development through coaching/mentoring, communities of practice, and train-the-trainer models for teachers who were implementing significant changes to their instruction using technology.
 Author Brad Meltzer Calls for School Library Support
In celebration of National Library Week, Brad Meltzer, bestselling author and host of "Brad Meltzer's Decoded" on the History Channel wrote an op-ed for the Huffington Post about the value of school libraries and librarians, and the loss of federal funding that has had a significant impact on them. In his piece titled, “The Unsung Heroes in our Schools,” Meltzer said, “School librarians transform lives through education and make it possible for students to thrive in a 21st century learning environment. [They] play an integral role in their schools, collaborating with teachers on lesson plans, working with administrators to obtain grants and aiding students in using new media.”
Meltzer mentions AASL’s 2011 National School Library Program of the Year award winner, Pine Grove Middle School, and recognizes the efforts of AASL member Sue Kowalski. AASL president Carl Harvey’s petition to the White House calling for every child in America to receive access to an effective school library program is highlighted as well. Meltzer discusses the uphill battle school libraries are facing and calls for additional federal funding. “When I see what is happening to school library budgets today, I am horrified to think that we live in a country where school librarians – with the power to inspire, as my former teacher inspired me – are considered expendable just for the sake of saving a few bucks. We are a world starving for
heroes. If you want to find them, support our school libraries.”
You can read the full article at the Huffington Post Website.
Resources for School Librarians
NetSmartz Offers Free Internet Safety e-Book for Children
NetSmartz Workshop, a program of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, has a new and exciting way for children ages 5-10 to learn important Internet safety lessons. In its first e-book, Delivery for Webster, children learn why it's important to ask a trusted adult before sharing their information online. Delivery for Webster features animated graphics, dramatic sound effects, and a "read-to-me" narration for early readers. Parents, educators, school librarians, childcare providers, and others can also utilize the accompanying discussion guide to start a conversation about Webster's adventure, pop-ups, and personal information with children.
TED Offers New Education Platform and Free Video Lessons
TED, a nonprofit organization, has launched a brand-new TED-Ed website with tools to help educators use video in the classroom. The new platform allows educators to take any useful educational video and create a customized lesson around it. Users can distribute the lessons, publicly or privately, and track their impact on a class or an individual student. Educators also can browse TED content based on the subject they teach. Each video on the TED-Ed site is tagged to a curriculum subject and is accompanied by supplementary materials to help educators and students use or understand the video lesson. Supplementary materials include multiple-choice questions, open-answer questions, and links to more information on the topic. The site also offers an innovative customization program called “flipping” that allows educators to customize supplementary materials and render lessons on a new and private web page, and a TED-Ed YouTube channel with free video
lessons by leaders in innovation and thinking.
Endangered Species Day Resources Now Available for School Librarians
School librarians throughout the country are encouraged to help celebrate the 7th annual national Endangered Species Day on May 18. The goal of Endangered Species Day is to educate people about the importance of protecting our rare, threatened, and endangered animal and plant species. Endangered Species Day provides an opportunity for community and school libraries to educate the public about the importance of protecting endangered species. The following are a few of the potential ways that libraries can participate in Endangered Species Day:
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Display/share an Endangered Species Reading List.
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Create an exhibit of endangered species-related books, photos and artwork.
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Host an Endangered Species Day activity, such as a book reading by a librarian or local celebrity. You can also provide special handouts including bookmark, activity/coloring book and other material available from the Endangered Species Day Toolkit.
A variety of resources are also available on the Endangered Species Day Website:
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Planning/Hosting an Endangered Species Day Event: The Endangered Species Day Toolkit includes information on planning an activity, along with bookmarks, stickers, activity books and other material that can be downloaded and printed.
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Reading List: A suggested book list for young people and adult readers.
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Photos/Artwork: You can find links to photos of threatened and endangered species from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other sources, along with artwork from the 2011Endangered Species Day Youth Art Contest.
Involve Students in Food Day with Free Resources
Food movement leaders are gearing up for the second annual Food Day on October 24, the nationwide celebration of healthy, affordable, and sustainably produced food. Food Day brings together organizations and individuals working on food issues as varied as hunger, nutrition, agriculture policy, animal welfare, and farmworker justice. The Food Day Website offers resources for educators interested in getting their schools involved, including a curriculum that provides teaching tools and example activities for elementary, middle, and high school students. More than 2,300 events in all 50 states took place on the first Food Day in 2011, and organizers intend for Food Day 2012 to represent an even bigger grassroots campaign for improved food policies. For more information on how to get involved with Food Day events, visit the Website.
Next Generation Learning Challenges Announces Third Wave of Grants
Recognizing the need for a fundamental change in the way education is designed and delivered across secondary and postsecondary institutions, Next Generation Learning Challenges (NGLC) has announced the availability of $12 million in grants for comprehensive whole school and college models that use technology to achieve more personalized learning experiences. Funding is being provided by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Initial applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until June 8, 2012. Visit the Next Generation website for more information.
NAIS Offers Challenge 20/20
The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) invites schools to participate in Challenge 20/20, a program that brings together one school from the United States and one school from outside of the United States. Teacher-student teams from both schools work together throughout the fall 2012 school semester to come up with a solution to a global problem. Challenge 20/20 is based on Jean Francois Rischard's book, High Noon: 20 Global Problems, 20 Years to Solve Them. All U.S. schools, elementary and secondary, public or private, are eligible. The deadline to enter is August 17.
Brown Rudnick Center for Public Interest Offers Community Grant Program
The Brown Rudnick Center Community Grant Program recognizes, encourages, and collaborates with front-line workers within the educational system who often do not have a voice in funding decisions; and provides funding to assist with small, concrete projects or needs that will make an improvement in inner-city education in Boston, Hartford, New York City, Providence, and Washington, D.C. within a year of the award. The maximum award is $2,000. “Front line educational workers" involved in the education field or a related field in Boston, Hartford, New York City, Providence, or Washington, D.C. partnered with a non-profit organization or tax-exempt organization (e.g. a public school) that is willing to accept the grant and use it in the required manner are eligible. The Deadline is rolling. Visit the Website to view submission dates.
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P21 Releases 21st Century Skills Math Map for Educators
The Partnership for 21st Century Skills (P21), a national organization that advocates for 21st century readiness for every student, has released the Math Map which provides timely Common Core and 21st Century Skills connections. The release of this resource coincided with the Mathematics Awareness Month in April. Rounding out P21's existing library of content maps for English, Social Studies, Science, Geography, the Arts, and World Languages, the P21 Math Map was designed in collaboration with the nation's leading math educators, and with the support of the Mathematical Association of America, and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
The P21 Math Map (along with the rest of the 21st Century Skills content maps) is available for download free of charge.
 AASL Member and Past President Barbara Stripling Wins 2013-14 ALA Presidency
Barbara K. Stripling, assistant professor of practice at Syracuse University in Syracuse, N.Y., has been elected to the 2013-14 presidency of the American Library Association (ALA). Stripling received 6,272 of the 10,758 votes cast votes, defeating her opponent, Gina J. Milsap. Stripling will become president-elect in June 2012, and will assume the ALA presidency in June 2013, following the ALA Annual Conference in Chicago. She will serve a one-year term as president and a one-year term as immediate past president. Stripling has been a member of ALA since 1977, and served as AASL President from 1996-1997. She has held numerous committee positions within AASL. Complete election results are at the ALA website.
We love to brag about our members! Looking to make it into AASL's Member Spotlight? Submit your spotlight to Markisan Naso for inclusion in the next Member Spotlight segment.
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