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Volume 11, Issue 5
August 2012
Association News
Education News
Resources for School Librarians
Grants & Awards
Partnership News
Member Spotlight
 AASL Evaluation Workbook and Rubric Help School Librarians Prepare for and Shape Administrator Evaluations
A 21st-Century Approach to School Librarian Evaluation uses the AASL Empowering Learners program guidelines as a basis for a school librarian evaluation rubric — one that can be adapted or duplicated by school librarians and shared with school administrators. Workbook style prompts walk school librarians through suggested readings, action tips, and evidence collection to help gauge their current levels of achievement, set goals for progress, and form plans for future professional development. This book provides school librarians an opportunity to engage in rigorous self-evaluation and to shape school administrator evaluations. This evaluation workbook and rubric is available in the ALA Online Store in print and
e-book formats, and print/e-book bundles. To see other publications available from AASL, visit the AASL Website.
 AASL Publication
Helps School Librarians Analyze and Articulate Data Sets
The Power of Data: An Introduction to Using Local, State, and National Data to Support School Library Programs discusses the use of data sets to establish goals for school library programs. Highlighting data available at the local, state, and national levels, the book takes a look at how school librarians can use available data to influence decisions at the local level. The Power of Data will increase the ability of school librarians to effectively use existing data and to articulate the analysis of that data to the people who need the information, including principals, superintendents, school boards, parents, teachers, and students. The Power of Data is available in the ALA Online Store in print and e-book formats,
and print/e-book bundles. To see other publications available from AASL, visit the AASL Website.
 Register for AASL Fall Forum!
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 in Greenville, S.C., with satellite sites in Doylestown, Pa.; Homestead, Pa.; Richardson, Texas; and San Jose, Calif. Below are some of the events and activities scheduled for this exciting forum!
'Socialize' AASL’s 2012 Fall Forum and Win!
Attendees of AASL’s 2012 Fall Forum are invited to pin, tweet and post their way into a drawing for an autographed copy of keynote speaker Henry Jenkins’ book, “Convergence Culture.” Three copies of “Convergence Culture” will be raffled off during “Transliteracy and the School Library Program” taking place Oct. 12-13. In order to be eligible to win, attendees must share their excitement over attending Fall Forum on two of four social networking sites provided – Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and LinkedIn – and submit their contact information via the online form. For ease of entry, “click to post” links below for each of the four social media sites.
AASL Fall Forum Ning Opens the Transliteracy Conversation
All are invited to become a part of the conversation on the range of skills comprising the concept of transliteracy, the focus of AASL 2012 Fall Forum, by joining the new AASL 2012 Fall Forum Ning. Ning membership is open to those attending Fall Forum and those interested in learning more about or sharing their expertise on transliteracy skills that students need in order to navigate the current information landscape. Registered members can engage in forum discussions, create and comment on blog posts, upload media and follow #aasl12 tweets while digging deeper into the topic of transliteracy and its relationship with the school library program.
AASL Fall Forum Toolkit Helps School Librarians "Make Their Case"
To help school librarians demonstrate to their supervisors the value of attending the 2012 Fall Forum, AASL has included a justification toolkit as part of its Fall Forum Website. AASL understands that due to the economy, many schools have made cuts to their professional development budgets and have limited out-of-state training. With these restrictions, school librarians may need to justify the expense of attending the Fall Forum, regardless of the merits of the institute. The Justification toolkit contains general information, tips, worksheets and approval letter templates school librarians can utilize when making their presentations. AASL’s national institute, “Transliteracy and the School Library
Program,” will take place Oct. 12-13, 2012, in Greenville, S.C., and satellite site offerings include Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Pennsylvania, North Texas and the California Bay Area.
Visit the AASL Fall Forum Website for more information or to register!
AASL Awards Season Opens with More than $50,000 in Opportunities
AASL will offer more than $50,000 in awards in 2013 to AASL members. The association’s 10 awards recognize excellence and showcase best practices in the school library field in categories that include research, collaboration, leadership and innovation. AASL personal members are required to fill out applications using AASL’s online awards database. Recipients of awards and grants will be invited to the annual Awards luncheon and ceremony during the ALA 2013 Annual Conference in Chicago.
The 2013 AASL awards include the following:
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The National School Library Program of the Year (NSLPY) Award, $10,000, sponsored by Follett Library Resources
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The Collaborative School Library Award, $2,500, sponsored by Highsmith
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The AASL Research Grant, $2,500, sponsored by Capstone
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The ABC-CLIO Leadership Grant, up to $1,750, sponsored by ABC-CLIO
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The Distinguished Service Award, $3,000, sponsored by Baker &Taylor
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The Distinguished School Administrator Award, $2,000, sponsored by ProQuest
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The Frances Henne Award, $1,250, sponsored by ABC-CLIO
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The Information Technology Pathfinder Award, $1,000, sponsored by Follett Software Company
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The Innovative Reading Grant, $2,500, sponsored by Capstone
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The Intellectual Freedom Award, $2,000, sponsored by ProQuest
The deadline for submitting applications or nominations for most AASL awards and grants is Feb. 1, 2013. For the NSLPY award, the deadline is Jan. 1, 2013. All applications will close at 4:30 p.m. CST on the day of the deadline. Visit the AASL Awards Website for more information on all the awards.
The U.S. Department of Education has declared August Connected Educator Month (CEM) and AASL has signed on as a participating organization. CEM will be celebrated with four-plus weeks of online events and activities, including forums, webinars, guided tours, open houses, contests, badges and more. CEM is aimed at broadening and deepening educator participation in online communities and networks, while providing opportunities for education leaders to work together to move the field forward. CEM includes educators at all levels, from all disciplines, and more than 60 leading education organizations, communities and companies, all moving together toward a fully connected and collaborative profession. AASL’s national guidelines, Empowering
Learners: Guidelines for School Library Programs, describes the vital role that school librarians play in being both a ‘connected educator’ and assisting other educators in areas such as developing personal learning networks, bringing innovative technologies into education and facilitating the use of open education resources. AASL anticipates a strong presence of school librarians in CEM activities.
Updates throughout the month will be posted to AASL Forum, Facebook and Twitter. Educators may also sign up via the Connected Educator Month Website to view the complete schedule and get the latest news and updates.
AASL Seeks Nominations for the Best Curriculum-Based Apps
AASL is now accepting nominations for its new Best Apps for Teaching and Learning recognition. Nominations are being solicited for apps that encourage student engagement in learning and reinforce innovative teaching. Apps nominated should also strengthen instruction, critical thinking skills and inquiry. Apps can be nominated via the online form on the AASL Website. A Best Apps for Curriculum task force will develop a list of top 25 apps that AASL will recognize as being the best of the best for curriculum development. The list will be presented as part of AASL’s programming at the ALA 2013 Annual Conference in Chicago.
 Collaboration, Leadership and Response to Intervention Examined in New School Library Research Papers
Three new research articles covering the topics of the process of teacher/school librarian collaboration, the role of the school librarian as a leader in technology integration and the function of school librarians in Response to Intervention (RtI) are now available online as part of the American Association of School Librarian’s online journal, School Library Research. The peer-reviewed journal welcomes manuscripts that focus on high quality original research concerning the management, implementation, and evaluation of school library programs.
AASL Seeks Proposals for Concurrent Sessions at the AASL 16th National Conference
AASL invites proposals for concurrent sessions to be presented during the AASL 16th National Conference and Exhibition, the only national conference dedicated solely to the needs of school librarians and their roles as educational leaders. Concurrent sessions will be held on Friday, Nov.15 and Saturday, Nov. 16. The submission deadline is 11:59 p.m. Central time on Friday, Nov. 9. Concurrent sessions during the conference are 75-minutes in length. Proposals should focus on one of the content strands, including Common Core State Standards; leadership; literacy and reading; program administration; teaching and learning; or authors. 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 online form.
The AASL National Conference and Exhibition, "Rising to the Challenge," takes place Nov. 13-17 in Hartford, Conn. More information on the conference, including special events, author appearances, and keynote presenters will be available in January 2013.
AASL Joins Nearly 3,000 Organizations to Make Voice of Nondefense Discretionary Programs Heard
AASL and others from the nondefense discretionary (NDD) community have delivered a letter to Congress urging leaders to avert sequestration by adopting a “balanced approach to deficit reduction that does not include further cuts to NDD programs,” which support economic growth, strengthen safety and security, and enrich American lives. The sequester will mean an automatic 8.4 percent cut to program funding levels for most NDD programs. These cuts will be across-the-board, with no departmental or agency control on how the sequester impacts individual programs. Funding for the Department of Education would be cut by more than $4 billion. Joining AASL in this effort to avert the cuts are nearly 3,000 national, state and local organizations from all 50 states representing the education, public safety and health communities.
AASL Encourages Members to Volunteer to Serve on ALA or Council Committees for 2013-2014
AASL personal members are encouraged to volunteer to serve on ALA and Council committees for the 2013-2014 term (July 1, 2013 – June 30, 2014). Serving on an ALA or Council committee provides members with leadership training, networking opportunities and experience in working on specific association topics. Committee appointments will be finalized at the 2013 ALA Midwinter Meeting, with notifications sent out in early spring, 2013. The online committee volunteer form (log in required) opens on Tuesday, Aug. 7 and closes on Friday, Nov. 2. To volunteer, please complete and submit the form electronically (be sure to select "ALA" in the drop-down menu on the main form to volunteer for both ALA and Council
committees).
Kentucky Teacher of the Year Shares Column on Why School Librarians are Essential
Kimberly Shearer, an English teacher at Boone County High School, and the 2012 Kentucky Teacher of the Year, recently wrote a column for KentuckyTeacher.org about the importance of collaborating with school librarians when implementing Common Core Standards. She said school librarians are needed now more than ever because they “have the resources, training and knowledge to help [teachers] make those meaningful connections between the Common Core Standards and our students’ interests and lives.”
Shearer added that school librarians can generate collaborative projects for students that incorporate both information literacy and the Common Core Standards, as well as help teachers refine their collaborative skills. She pointed out that school librarians are also ideal partners for developing lessons for students that focus on both content and technology objectives.
Shearer urged all teachers to collaborate with school librarians. “You and your students will certainly ‘Like’ the results,” she said.
On Sept. 10, the non-profit organization EducationSuperHighway will launch a National School Broadband Test in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Education to take an inventory of the state of Internet access in America's K-12 schools. Their objective is to collect 1 million data points (10 per school) on the actual performance of the Internet in K-12 classrooms and school libraries. The information gathered will be used to raise awareness of the need to upgrade the Internet access in schools as a prerequisite to digital learning. It will also help guide the allocation of $2.5 billion in annual funding for school Internet access upgrades. Help upgrade your school’s Internet access by asking 10 of your colleagues or students to take one minute to vist EducationSuperHighway's Test My School Page.
Project Tomorrow Examines the Role of Social Learning Tools to Connect Students, Parents and Educators
Project Tomorrow partnered with Schoolwires, Inc. to create a special white paper on the role of tech-enabled social learning within K-12 education. The paper examines the Speak Up 2011 survey data collected from over 416,000 K-12 students, parents and educators to explore how social learning is being used by these education stakeholders and to better understand the value proposition for incorporating such tools into the classroom. Researchers found that students, teachers, administrators and parents are increasingly recognizing the value of social learning in both their personal and professional lives. Students, in particular, turn to social learning tools to enhance their engagement in the learning process. When asked how their school could improve technology use, students pointed out several solutions:
• Let me access school projects from any computer at home or at school (46%)
• Provide tools for me to communicate with my classmates (39%)
• Provide tools to help me organize my schoolwork (38%)
• Provide tools for me to communicate with my teacher (34%)
• Provide tools for me to collaborate with my classmates on schoolwork (32%)
Despite the growing acceptance of social learning tools among students, the study also found that school site administrators and parents continue to have lingering concerns about social networking and Internet access in learning.
Pew Foundation Report Reveals Divided Future Forecast for Analyzing Big Data
The Pew Foundation's Internet and American Life Project has just released a report on the future of big data; as part of their "Future of the Internet" series done in collaboration with the Elon University. The report includes a compilation of comments on specific questions about how the vast quantities of data that humans and machines will be creating by the year 2020 could enhance productivity, improve organizational transparency, or expand the frontier of the future. Digital stakeholders were split on the impact of big data, with 53% agreeing that its rise will be hugely positive for society – “large data sets will improve social, political and economic intelligence by 2020.” Nearly 39% agreed that big data will have a negative impact and “cause more problems than it solves by 2020.” The report highlights major themes and arguments made by respondents, such as the lack of human and technological capacity to analyze data accurately and
efficiently by 2020.
NRC Report Argues for Deeper Learning Approach in K-12 Education
A new report from the National Research Council suggests that deeper learning, an educational approach that emphasizes critical reasoning and other skills, is essential for students to succeed in the twenty-first century global economy.
The report, Education for Life and Work: Developing Transferable Knowledge and Skills in the 21st Century, associates three sets of "21st century competencies" with the deeper learning approach: cognitive, which includes critical thinking, problem solving, reasoning, and innovation; intrapersonal, which includes flexibility, self-direction, conscientiousness, and metacognition (the ability to reflect on one's own learning and make adjustments accordingly); and interpersonal, which includes communication and collaboration. In addition to defining the concepts and affirming the approach, the report encourages states working to implement the Common Core State Standards to "devote significant attention" to understanding the relationships between the competencies, the effectiveness of teaching and assessment strategies, and successful adult outcomes for students.
The report also argues that states and the federal government should establish policies and programs in support of students' acquisition of 21st century competencies in K-12 education, and recommends that policy makers focus their efforts on the key areas of assessment — accountability, curriculum and materials, and teacher education.
New Study Evaluates Non-Cognitive Factors in Student Performance
A new report from the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research summarizes research on five categories of non-cognitive factors related to academic performance: academic behaviors, academic perseverance, academic mindsets, learning strategies, and social skills. It evaluates evidence that non-cognitive factors matter for students' long-term success and discusses how educators might best support the development of non-cognitive factors within their schools and classrooms. The report concludes that fostering student engagement in class material and coursework performance, not just tested performance, is important to student success.
Center for American Progress Study Finds Students Require Greater Reading Challenges
A recent examination by the Center for American Progress (CAP) of the student-questionnaire portion of the NAEP finds many students in elementary and high schools around the country are not being challenged, or engaged in rigorous learning activities. Almost a third of eighth-grade students report reading fewer than five pages a day either in school or for homework. That’s below what many experts recommend for students in middle school. The issues are similar at the high school-level. Thirty-nine percent of 12th-grade students, for example, say that they hardly ever or only once or twice a month write about what they read in class. Based on these and other findings in various subjects, the CAP recommends policymakers continue to push for higher, more challenging standards.
New Design Lab to Develop Games to Engage Students and Measure Learning
The Institute of Play, a nonprofit video game, learning, and research organization, has announced the establishment of the Games, Learning, and Assessment Lab (GLASS Lab). GLASS Lab will research and develop innovative video games that engage students and evaluate their attainment of core skills deemed critical for college and career readiness. Funded by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur and Bill & Melinda Gates foundations and additional support from Electronic Arts and the Entertainment Software Association, GLASS Lab aims to integrate state-led content standards and measure student learning by modifying popular video game titles as well as creating original mini-games, which will be made available to middle and high school students, school districts, and families at little or no cost.
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ALA Offers Tip Sheet on Digital Rights Management
In an effort to help the library community better understand and adapt to the growth of digital content, the ALA has released a tip sheet that provides background on digital rights management—systems producers, publishers and vendors use to control what users can do with electronic files, such as e-books, DVD films, and other media. Library community members, librarians and supporters are encouraged to use the tip sheet to provide additional information for interested parties.
Edutopia Offers Resource Guide for Understanding the Common Core State Standards
Edutopia has released an educator's guide to websites, organizations, articles, and other resources for assessing the Common Core State Standards. Links to the standards, an interactive map of which states have adopted the standards, bi-weekly newsletters with Common Core updates and links to toolkits are just some of the resources available at the Edutopia Website.
Cable in the Classroom has released Coaster Crafter. Build. Ride. Scream!, a new online game that brings excitement to STEM education by engaging users in designing and testing roller coasters in a game-like environment. Free to play, Coaster Crafter provides an engaging and relevant context for learning important math, science, and engineering concepts. It’s aimed at middle school and older students, particularly girls. It’s tied to state standards and includes a teacher’s guide and video interviews with scientists and engineers.
Department of Education Launches New Student Aid Website
The U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) has launched StudentAid.gov, a new, streamlined Website that offers content and interactive tools, and features instructional videos and infographics to help answer frequent questions about financial aid. The Website is the initial step in a multi-phase project to offer a “one-stop shop” where consumers can access federal student aid information, apply for federal aid, repay student loans, and navigate the college decision-making process. The site is available in English and Spanish and fully accessible on smartphones and tablets. The department has also revamped its federal student aid-related social media sites, including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to provide more options for students to learn about student aid.
 Sign Up for a Harry Potter Webcast with J.K. Rowling
On October 11, J.K. Rowling will participate in a live virtual author visit to classrooms across America to discuss the world of Harry Potter, including Pottermore, an exciting, free online experience that offers Harry Potter fans the chance to explore and discover exclusive new writing by J.K. Rowling as well as immerse themselves in other interactive content and community activities. The October 11 webcast will be broadcast live from Rowling's hometown of Edinburgh, Scotland, and is the first time she has had the opportunity to answer questions from kids live since 2007. Educators can register their classes to join the webcast at the Harry Potter Reading Cub Website.
Back to School Brochures Promote Healthy Lifestyles for Students
The U.S. General Services Administration is offering free educational brochures to educators and parents about the importance of students adopting healthy lifestyle choices, sand avoiding the dangers of underage drinking.
DUC Library Program Offers Free Contemporary Art Books to School Libraries
The Distribution to Underserved Communities Library Program (DUC) distributes books on contemporary art and culture free of charge to rural and inner-city libraries, schools and alternative reading centers nationwide. The program aims to actively provide access to contemporary art, and is committed to fostering partnerships between publishers, non-profit organizations, librarians and readers to enrich and diversify library collections. The program offers well over 490 titles by more than 90 different publishers and reaches readers in all 50 states. You can view available materials and place orders at the DUC Website. A video about the program is also available for viewing.
 Get Involved in World Book Night
World Book Night 2013 is a celebration of literacy by publishers, bookstores, libraries and individuals who love books and reading. On April 23, 2013, 25,000 “book givers” will each give away 20 copies of a specially-printed, not-for-resale World Book Night edition of books they have read and loved (from a list of 25-30 titles selected by librarians and booksellers) to complete strangers – people who may never have owned a book of their own. To promote this literacy event, libraries and bookstores – as organizational participants in the event – will form a nationwide advocacy and distribution network. If you are interested in participating, fill out the mailing list form to receive information on
how to take part next year.
Lowe's Toolbox for Education Recognizes Parent Involvement in Education
Lowe's Toolbox for Education funds school improvement projects initiated by parents in recognition of the importance of parent involvement in education. The maximum award is $5,000. K-12 schools (including charter, parochial, private, etc.) or parent groups (associated with a nonprofit K-12 school) are eligible to apply. The deadline is October 12.
Wild Ones Offers Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Grant
The Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Grant Program gives small monetary grants to schools, nature centers, or other non-profit educational organizations for the purpose of establishing outdoor learning centers. Funds will be provided only for the purchase of native plants and seed. Schools, nature centers, and other nonprofit and not-for-profit places of learning, including houses of worship, are eligible. The deadline is October 15.
Photography Contest Celebrates Earth Science Week 2012
The American Geological Institute is sponsoring a photography contest to celebrate Earth Science Week 2012, which takes place Oct. 14-20. The photography theme for this year is "Earth Science is a Big Job." The maximum award is $300, a copy of AGI's Faces of Earth DVD, and the winner will have his or her photograph posted on the Earth Science Week Website. Interested residents of the United States of any age are eligible. The deadline is October 19.
Nestle USA Very Best in Youth Program Offers Award for Teens
The Nestlé USA Very Best in Youth Program honors young people ages 13 to 18 who have excelled in school and who are making their community and the world a better place. The maximum award is $1,000. Youth ages 13 and 18 years of age who demonstrate good citizenship, a strong academic record, and can show how they have made a special contribution to their school, church, or the community, are eligible. Entrants must have permission from a parent or legal guardian to submit nomination. The deadline is November 8.
Making a Difference Award Honors School Science Programs
The Drug, Chemical & Associated Technologies Association "Making a Difference" Award recognizes excellence in a science program developed and implemented by middle- or high school-level science teachers, grades 6-12. Entries must show innovative and effective teaching strategies combined with a science program that has influenced students to explore and investigate science and its application to global problems. The maximum award is $2,500 to be used to enhance or expand the winning science program. The winning school's lead science teacher and principal will also be awarded coach airfare and two nights' hotel accommodation to attend NSTA's National Conference. Innovative middle or high school science programs are eligible. The deadline is November 30.
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Project RED Offers Technology Implementation Guidance
If your district is in the early or middle stages of a one-to-one technology implementation and you would like to collaborate with other districts with similar plans and goals, you are encouraged to apply to become a Project RED Signature District. As a Project RED Signature District, you'll receive expert guidance and access to proven implementation techniques from the Project RED team. There is no cost to apply or participate. If you're one of the first 50 eligible districts to apply, you will receive a complimentary copy of both the online and the paperback editions of the Project RED Research, Revolutionizing Education Through Technology. Visit the Project RED Website for more details about the benefits of becoming a Signature District, or to download the application.
 Rebecca Morris Discusses the Evolving Landscape of School Libraries on The Harvard EdCast
AASL Member Rebecca Morris, assistant professor of library and information science at Simmons College in Chestnut Hill, MA, was a recent guest on The Harvard EdCast. The EdCast is a weekly podcast series by the Harvard Graduate School of Education that features conversations with education thought across the country and around the world. In this episode, titled Stacking Up School Libraries, Morris describes the evolving landscape of school libraries and reframes the perception of the 21st century school librarian. Visit the Harvard EdCast Website to listen to Rebecca discuss school libraries or to download the mp3.
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. Visit the Hotlinks Webpage find our Member Spotlight Guidelines.
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