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Volume 11, Issue 6
September 2012
Association News
Education News
Resources for School Librarians
Grants & Awards
Partnership News
Member Spotlight
 Transliteracy Takes Center Stage at AASL's Fall Forum
Gain a deeper understanding of transliteracy during AASL’s 2012 Fall Forum, taking place October 12-13 in Greenville, S.C. Kristin Fontichiaro and R. David Lankes will join media studies scholar Henry Jenkins, in providing a comprehensive overview of the importance of participatory culture in education.
During the two-day institute, Jenkins will share his extensive expertise on participatory culture and help school librarians establish themselves as leaders when collaborating with teachers to plan and teach new media literacies to students. Fontichiaro will work with Fall Forum attendees to deconstruct the concept of transliteracy into smaller, more manageable facets. Her breakout session will help school librarians be able to assess their use of transliterate skills and understand when they have done a good job of building a library that is at the center of participatory culture within the school. Lankes' portion of the institute will further elaborate on the collaborative nature of transliteracy. He will advise attendees on how to advocate for and highlight the relevance of school librarians in an environment of ever-changing educational priorities.
These three presentations will be simultaneously broadcast to participating satellite sites in Doylestown, Pa.; Homestead, Pa.; Richardson, Texas; and San Jose, Calif.
Below are some additional 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." 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.
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.
Visit the AASL Fall Forum Website for more information or to register!
AASL and NCLE Provide School Librarians with Literacy Resources
AASL has joined 30 other stakeholder groups representing educational, school and community leaders in support of the new National Center for Literacy Education (NCLE). As a result of this collaboration, AASL members have the opportunity to join two networks focused on working collaboratively to strengthen literacy practices and professional learning. Through its free Literacy in Learning Exchange, NCLE provides examples of participating schools’ innovative literacy education efforts. The website also hosts commentary from experts, research and helpful insights on how those visionary practices can be adapted in other schools. It also provides a clearinghouse for educator teams and schools engaged in innovative literacy education practices to share and learn from one another. As a stakeholder, AASL maintains a group in the exchange and will be posting resources for educators.
AASL members are also invited to sign up for the NCLE SmartBrief, a free twice-weekly news service that will supply a stream of insights and inspiration about how schools and community initiatives are engaging student literacy learners and deepening their learning. The NCLE SmartBrief looks at transforming literacy learning, literacy everywhere, education policy, leadership and capacity building and professional learning. AASL members will receive an invitation via email to join the informative newsletter starting Sept. 10.
October 3 is Banned Websites Awareness Day!
To raise awareness of the overly restrictive blocking of legitimate, educational websites and academically useful social networking tools in schools and school libraries, AASL has designated Wednesday, October 3, as Banned Websites Awareness Day. In observance of Banned Websites Awareness Day, AASL is asking school librarians and other educators to promote an awareness of how overly restrictive filtering affects student learning. You can find a variety of resources at the Banned Websites Awareness Day Website, including:
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.
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.
 Subscription Databases, Serving Students with Special Needs and the Dynamics of Educational Agendas Examined in New School Library Research
Papers
Three new research articles covering the topics of subscription databases, serving students with special needs and the dynamics that inhibit and/or enable school libraries to contribute to educational agendas 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) 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).
National Survey Finds Public is Against Reducing School Librarians
A national survey conducted by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute found that the public is aware of economic challenges to their local public schools and approves a number of specific cost-saving measures. However, one of the cost reductions not approved is the reduction of non-teaching, support staff such as school librarians, aides and school nurses, to the bare minimum. Seventy percent of the public disapproves of reducing these positions "because these employees provide essential services to the schools and kids" and they don’t buy the argument that "cutting these services won’t hurt classrooms."
Report Finds "Irreplaceable" Educators are Undervalued
A report from the New Teacher Project posits that about 20 percent of teachers are so effective they are "irreplaceable," yet these teachers are "undervalued and ignored at every turn." The report estimates the nation's 50 largest school districts lose approximately 10,000 effective teachers every year, while struggling educators remain too long. The authors found one in 10 classrooms in the districts studied were led by an experienced but low-performing teacher: 40 percent of teachers with more than seven years of experience were less effective than the average first-year teacher. The study points out three reasons for this: 1) principals make too little effort to retain "Irreplaceables" or remove low-performing teachers; 2) poor school cultures and working conditions drive away great teachers; and 3) policies give principals and district leaders few incentives to change. The report recommends setting a new baseline standard for teacher effectiveness;
encouraging low performers to leave voluntarily; and removing policy barriers to higher expectations.
New Brief Explores Opportunities for Educators through Savings and Cost Calculation Models
A new brief by Public Impact summarizes how schools and their educators can simultaneously reach more students with excellent teaching, expand career opportunities, and sustainably fund higher pay and other priorities. Savings and cost calculations of three school models – Multi-Classroom Leadership, Elementary Subject Specialization, and Time-Technology Swap Rotation – illustrate that schools could increase excellent teachers' pay up to approximately 130 percent, without increasing class sizes and within existing budgets. Combining models to extend the reach of excellent teachers and promote excellence by all instructional staff may produce even greater savings for higher pay and other priorities, while also producing excellent results for more students. The brief deems these "Opportunity Cultures." In an Opportunity Culture, all teachers have career opportunities dependent upon their excellence, leadership, and student impact.
ACT Report Finds Only 52 Percent of High School Graduates Meet reading Benchmark
A 2012 Condition of College and Career Readiness report from ACT found that just 52 percent of graduates met the Reading Benchmark, while 67 percent of all ACT-tested high school graduates met the English College Readiness Benchmark. About 72 percent of all 2012 ACT-tested high school graduates met at least one of the four College Readiness Benchmarks in English, Reading, Mathematics, or Science, but fully 28 percent did not meet any of the Benchmarks, while 47 percent met between one and three Benchmarks. To reach much higher levels of college- and career-readiness, the report endorses adoption of the Common Core Standards, and issues a number of policy recommendations at the state, district, and classroom level, which include early student monitoring and intervention, clear performance standards, and data-driven decision-making.
Broad Foundation Brief Reveals Bureaucratic Impediments to Student Achievement
A new brief from the Broad Foundation lists 75 ways that bureaucracy impedes student achievement. The brief identifies "numerous bureaucratic challenges" for urban-district central offices and state education systems that may explain why well-intentioned efforts to improve public schools have failed. According to the brief, bureaucratic systems, policies, and practices that have built up over decades in inner-city districts have led to fewer resources reaching the classroom, preventing educators from getting support to meet individual student needs, and disheartening people in and around these systems. Policies and procedures which may comply with laws and regulations often don't allow school systems to pursue their core mission of advancing student achievement, the brief says. Examples in the brief include the lack of management training for principals and a lack of instructional pacing guides for teachers to ensure students learn in a timeframe
consistent with other schools.
Harvard Education Letter Article Offers Thoughts on How Common Core Affects Reading Comprehension
A new article by Richard Rothman in The Harvard Education Letter offers thoughts on nine ways that the Common Core State Standards will change classroom practice. Half of his nine ideas focus on English Language Arts and reading. He writes that the standards emphasize more non-fiction to reflect the fact that students read expository texts after high school. In reading, students will be expected to use evidence to demonstrate their comprehension and to read closely in order to make evidence-based claims. They will also be expected to comprehend increasingly complex texts to reach the level required for success in college courses and the workplace. On top of this, the standards expect students to demonstrate they can speak and listen effectively, and include criteria for literacy in history/social science, science, and technical subjects. Rothman also offered ways in which the Common Core standards will affect mathematics.
Study Shows e-Books Can Help Children Learn to Read
A three-year study by the University of Akron found that electronic books can help children learn the early skills they need for reading, but not if the special features distract them from the story on the page.
The project, called Akron Ready Steps, tested whether focusing on early literacy skills throughout the preschool day would improve children’s readiness for kindergarten. Researchers also explored the learning potential of e-books, which can be read on mobile touchscreen devices such as iPads. Kids in the study learned how to read e-books using iPads, iPods and other technology paid with the grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Researchers then worked with teachers to develop an "e-book nook" that would integrate the computer gadgets naturally with the print books in a reading area free of distractions. teachers and students working with the e-books were recorded to see how long the students attention was focused on the e-books compared with traditional picture books. The results show that children looked at the e-books longer than they looked at the print books. The study also found that kids who have behavioral issues looked at e-books for an
even longer period, on average, than kids without behavioral issues.
Education Committee Examines Pennsylvania School Library Funding
Pennsylvania State Rep. Paul Clymer (R-PA ) recently led a meeting of the Pennsylvania House Education Committee on the topic of school library funding. The meeting was held specifically to review and discuss the State Board of Education School Library Study of 2011. The State Board of Education School Library Study of 2011 was conducted as a result of House Resolution 987 of 2010, which encouraged the Board of Education to undertake a study of school library resources and services for students in K-12 by measuring and comparing funding, facilities, access to print and electronic resources, professional support and instruction among the state’s school libraries. In the 2011 Guidelines for Pennsylvania School Library Programs, a benchmark for funding was set at $41 per student for elementary schools, $45 per student for elementary schools and $50 per student for high schools; however, Clymer pointed out that 39 percent of school districts only allocated
between $1 and $10 per student for library resources and 3 percent provided no funding at all.
“This study clearly illustrates that we need to look more closely at this issue and make sure that our school libraries are being used in a way that most benefits the students,” said Clymer. “This study has only further served to strengthen my conviction as to the importance of school libraries. With the information contained in this study, we can now present a strong case when discussions begin for the 2013-14 state budget for the necessity of providing additional funding for this important educational component.”
New Poll Reveals Gradual Acceptance of e-Books in Schools
SodaHead.com asked its users about their thoughts on technology being used in schools, including when tablets and laptops should be allowed, thoughts on cell phones/texting in class and the potential change over to e-Books. With e-Books gaining popularity, the poll found the public is still hesitant to make textbooks digital, but there are signs of a gradual shift. While 36 percent don’t want to shift to e-books in the classroom, 28 percent are for the switch, while 36 percent are ready for e-books to be in some classes. The poll results also revealed that the majority of respondents feel that laptops should not be allowed in school until high school – 18 percent think it’s OK for laptops to be used in elementary school, 25 percent feel they should be allowed in middle school, 33 percent are OK with laptops being introduced in high school, while 18 percent think that students should wait until college to use laptops. Only 7 percent feel that
laptops should not be used at all in an educational setting. Along with the poll results, SodaHead has created an infographic at its Website.
 Registration for Speak Up 2012 Survey Now Open
Speak Up, a national online research project facilitated by Project Tomorrow®, gives individuals the opportunity to share their viewpoints about key educational issues. Each year, findings are summarized and shared with national and state policy makers. Participating schools and districts can access their data online, free-of-charge. The survey opens October 3, but you can get a jump on Speak Up participation by registering your school or district today. Send an email with your registration request and include the name of your district or school, state and any new contact information that needs to be updated. You will recive a follow up email with a PDF of your school list and passwords to confirm that your district/school has
been registered. You can also register on your own at the Speak Up Website.
2012 PDK/Gallup Poll on Public Schools is Released
The results of the 2012 PDK/Gallup Poll of the Public’s Attitudes Toward the Public Schools are now available. Conducted annually, the poll allows PDK members and other educators and policy makers to track public opinion about public schools. According to the survey highlights, Americans surveyed said, the "Common core standards will make the U.S. more competitive, improve schools in our communities and provide consistency between districts within a state and between states," "Closing the achievement gaps and improving urban schools are priorities for most of us," and "The lack of financial support for public schools is a bigger problem than discipline and drugs. Overwhelmingly, we believe 'my child is safe at school.'"
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Help Advocate for School Libraries During the Department of Education's Back to School Tour
Secretary Duncan and senior U.S. Department of Education officials will visit 12 states and dozens of cities across the nation as part of the Department's third annual Back to School bus tour, from September 12 to September 21. This year's theme is "Education Drives America." Various events will highlight education successes and engage communities in conversations about P-12 school reform, college affordability and completion, and the link between education and jobs. Attending an event on the tour offers you an excellent opportunity to represent school libraries and librarians, and have your voice heard. You can follow the tour at the Website. An email list is also available for those who wish to receive updates. Visit AASL's Advocacy page for more information on how to make your voice heard!
Free Google Course Offers Help with Searching Skills
Google’s recent power searching course is now available for viewing online. Learn about the powerful advanced tools Google provides to help you find the right information.
U.S. Energy Information Administration Offers Education Resources for K-12 Students
U.S. Energy Information Administration’s “Energy Kids,” hosted by Energy Ant, is a free and fact-filled Website that explores the changing world of energy. The site features more than 100 pages of fun and interactive energy education content including lesson plans, activities, games, resources, tools, and projects for kids, parents, and teachers. An “Energy Kids” Teacher Guide offers a broad range of activities to help make learning about energy a fun experience for students with energy quizzes, an energy scavenger hunt, energy crossword puzzles and so much more.
 Celebrate Picture Book Month in November
Picture Book Month, an international literacy initiative that celebrates the print picture book, takes place in November. Each day that month, a new essay from thought leaders in the children’s literature community will be posted. A readathon and blogathon are also planned, and Brain Burps About Books Podcast is dedicating the entire month of November to Picture Book Month. A downloadable promotional kit is now available as well as certificates, posters, and bookmarks. Visit the Picture Book Month Website for more information.
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.
McDaniel College School Librarianship Program Offers Tuition Scholarships
The McDaniel College School Librarianship Program seeks 12 Maryland teachers or professionals currently working as uncertified school librarians to apply for full tuition scholarships in the M.S. in School Librarianship program. The deadline is October 12.
NEA Foundation Offers Learning & Leadership Grants
NEA Foundation Learning & Leadership Grants support public school teachers, public education support professionals, and/or faculty and staff in public institutions of higher education for one of two purposes. Grants to individuals fund participation in high-quality professional development experiences, such as summer institutes or action research; grants to groups fund collegial study, including study groups, action research, lesson study, or mentoring experiences for faculty or staff new to an assignment. The maximum award is $2,000 for individuals and $5,000 for groups engaged in collegial study. Public school teachers grades K-12; public school education support professionals; or faculty and staff at public higher education institutions are eligible. The deadline is October 15.
NEA Foundation Offers Student Achievement Grants
The NEA Foundation Student Achievement Grants provide funds to improve the academic achievement of students by engaging in critical thinking and problem-solving that deepen knowledge of standards-based subject matter. The work should also improve students' habits of inquiry, self-directed learning, and critical reflection. The maximum award is $5,000. Public school teachers grades K-12; public school education support professionals; or faculty and staff at public higher education institutions are eligible. The deadline is October 15.
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.
Clorox Offers Power a Bright Future Grants
Clorox Power a Bright Future Grants aim to provide necessary resources to help support school programs that enrich kids' lives. The maximum award is $50,000. Anyone at least 18 years old at time of entry can nominate an accredited K-12, public or private school program is eligible. The deadline is October 17.
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 October 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.
Prudential Offers Spirit of Community Awards
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards honor young people in grades 5 through 12 who have demonstrated exemplary voluntary service to their communities. The maximum award is $1,000 and a trip to Washington, D.C. Students grades 5-12 who have conducted a volunteer service activity within the past year are eligible. The deadline is November 13.
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.
Lockheed Martin Offers Grants for Education
Lockheed Martin provides grants for K-16 Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Education. This includes Lockheed Martin's K-12 STEM Education Initiative, Engineers in the Classroom, as well as STEM-focused curricular and extracurricular programs that provide employee engagement opportunities in a community in which Lockheed Martin has employees or business interests. The maximum award varies. 501(c)(3) organizations that deliver standards-based science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education to students in K-16 are eligible. The deadline is rolling.
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 We Give Books Announces New "Million Book Challenge"
In May, We Give Books announced that its readers met the challenge, issued in 2010, of reading one million digital books. In doing so, the Pearson Foundation has donated an equal number of brand-new hardcover and paperback books to nonprofits, schools, and community organizations around the world. With this challenge met, We Give Books has now announced details of a new reading and giving goal. The We Give Books “Million Book Challenge” asks adults and children to read a million books in one year, half the time that the previous challenge was met.
Member Spotlight
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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