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Volume 11, Issue 8
November 2012
Association News
Education News
Resources for School Librarians
Grants & Awards
Partnership News
Member Spotlight
AASL Seeks Program Reviewers for the 2013 AASL National Conference
 AASL is currently accepting applications for one group of 20-30 volunteers to participate in a blind review and scoring of two sets of proposals for the AASL 16th National Conference & Exhibition, “Rising to the Challenge.” This volunteer position is essential to conference planning.
To apply, please use the application form located at national.aasl.org/volunteers. The deadline for applications is Friday, Nov. 9.
AASL Awards Season Offers More than $50,000 in Opportunities
National School Library Program of the Year Deadline is Jan 1, 2013
 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 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.
Information Literacy, Professional development, and Student Achievement examined in new School Library Research articles
Three new research articles covering the topics of information literacy, professional development, and the impact of staffing levels on student achievement are now available online as part of the American Association of School Librarian’s (AASL) online journal, School Library Research.
School Librarians Engage in Transliteracy Conversation at AASL 2012 Fall Forum
 Transliteracy and participatory culture were the topics of conversation for school librarian professionals across the country as they met face-to-face and virtually for the AASL 2012 Fall Forum, Transliteracy and the School Library Program, Oct. 12-13, 2012. More than 250 attendees participated in the forum either at the Greenville, S.C., location or at participating satellite sites in Doylestown, Pa.; Homestead, Pa.; Richardson, Texas; and San Jose, Calif.
Looking for transliteracy and participatory culture resources? Join the conversation on the AASL12 Ning! You can also check out the Twitter stream from the AASL 2012 Fall Forum using hashtag #aasl12 or check out the Pinterest board created by an attendee!
Filtering Continues to be an Issue for Schools Across the Country
 According to results of a survey conducted by the AASL, the filtering of legitimate, educational websites and academically useful social networking tools continues to be an issue in most schools across the country. An executive summary of the supplemental questions on filtering included as a part of AASL's longitudinal survey, School Libraries Count! is now available on the AASL website in conjunction with the observance of Banned Websites Awareness Day. Banned Websites Awareness Day seeks to promote an
awareness of how overly restrictive filtering affects student learning. Read the summary report on the AASL website.
AASL Releases White Paper on Technology Use in Schools
AASL, in conjunction with its second annual Banned Websites Awareness Day, has released a white paper covering the appropriate use of educational technology in schools. The paper covers the topics of filtering practices, acceptable use policies (AUPs), apps, social media, bring your own device (BYOD) and other related subjects. The white paper can be read via the AASL website.
AASL Receives NCLE Grant to Create Personal Learning Network
AASL has received a grant from the National Center for Literacy Education (NCLE) to create a personal learning network centered on the topic of its 2012 Fall Forum – transliteracy. The funding will be used to support school librarians and their teaching partners in the collaborative development of materials for the transliteracy practice exchange.
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 & Exhibition taking place in Hartford, Conn. Concurrent sessions will be held on Friday, Nov.15 and Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013. The submission deadline has been extended until 11:59 p.m. Central time on Monday, Nov. 12, 2012. More information is available at www.ala.org/aasl/aaslrfp.
AASL Commends Programs Aligned with Association’s Values and Mission
Moving on recommendations made by its Affiliate Assembly, AASL has formally commended 11 programs based on their support of the school librarian profession. The commended programs align with AASL’s learning standards and program guidelines as well as the principles expressed in AASL mission and value statements.
Join the Virtual National Conversation Series on Digital Literacy and Libraries!
On November 14 and December 11 at 7 p.m. EST, ALA’s Office for Information Technology Policy (OITP) and its Digital Literacy Task Force will host conversations as part of a continuing series to explore the role of libraries in supporting and deepening digital literacy skills development for students, the general public and colleagues in other professions.
November 14 - Creating a Culture of Learning: How Librarians Keep up with Digital Media and Technology: Speakers look at the dramatic shifts in formal and informal learning and civic engagement because of the rapidly changing technology landscape, every information professional must be prepared to ensure meaningful access and skills development to our communities so all may fully participate in the digital age.
December 11- Assessing Digital Literacy: Outcomes and Impact: Measuring outcomes and impacts are vital to demonstrating the success of any program or service in order to improve service and advocate for additional investments. But how does one measure or assess the development of digital literacy competencies in ourselves and in our patrons? How may assessment models best design and implement digital literacy instruction and services?
Implementation Critical to Success of Common Core State Standards
A new brief from the National Education Policy Center summarizes current research on the likely effects of widespread adoption of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Through conditions placed on grants and on NCLB waivers, the U.S. Department of Education pushed states to adopt "college- and career-ready standards," with 46 adopting the CCSS in whole or in part. Since the CCSS have yet to be implemented, no research exists on them, but based on experience with state standards and the experience of other nations, effects of the CCSS will depend less on the standards themselves than on implementation.
Can Educational Media and Technology Really Promote Early Reading?
Last year, the Annie E. Casey Foundation launched the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, to mobilize measurable community action to help close the gaps in reading by third grade. Recently, the Joan Ganz Cooney Center and the New America Foundation were asked by the Campaign to look at one area that most reading research and program experts have not carefully examined: the possibility that well-deployed technology could be a "game changer" in moving the literacy needle. The resulting first-stage scan focuses on suggestions on how to use technology to equip low-income parents and teachers with tools and information to help children meet developmental milestones and read on grade level.
New report: How Teens Do Research in the Digital World
According to A survey of teachers, conducted by the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project in collaboration with the College Board and the National Writing Project, the internet has opened up a vast world of information for today’s students, yet students’ digital literacy skills have yet to catch up.
Speak Up 2012 is Now Open for Input!
This year marks the 10th time the national Speak Up survey has asked students about how they use – and how they would like to use – technology for learning. This year, students will be asked about their use of mobile tools, social networks and gaming as part of their learning in and out of the classroom. Teachers and administrators will be asked what tools they use and what they want to use and how prepared they are for technology use, and parents will be asked how they feel about the role of technology in their children’s lives and learning. The survey is open until December 14.
State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA) Announces Launch of the State Education Policy Center
The State Educational Technology Directors Association (SETDA), the principal non-profit membership association representing U.S. state and territorial educational technology leaders, announced the launch of the State Education Policy Center (SEPC). The SEPC is intended to provide up-to-date information regarding select technology-related education policies and practices to inform school reform and improvement efforts.
Before and After NCLB
A new survey from Teach Plus looks at attitudes of teachers who entered the profession after NCLB in comparison with their colleagues who entered before it. The report indicates that newer teachers voice growing support for placing performance ahead of seniority. However, they join their veteran colleagues on the need for more collaboration time and the importance of smaller class size. Teachers joining the profession in the last decade are more receptive to use of student growth data in evaluation, as well as performance-based tenure and compensation systems, and believe high standards and greater accountability will elevate the profession.
What Career-ready Actually Means
The Career Readiness Partner Council, a coalition of national education, business, philanthropic, and policy groups, has released a four-page statement on what it means to be career-ready. According to the group, a career-ready person effectively navigates pathways that connect education and employment to achieve a fulfilling, financially secure, and successful career. To be career-ready in the global economy requires adaptability and a commitment to lifelong learning, mastery of key academic and technical knowledge, and skills and dispositions that vary from one career to another and change over time as a person progresses along a developmental continuum.
Majority of U.S. Small Businesses Say Digital Literacy Essential Skillset for New Hires
More than half of America’s small businesses (53 percent) say it is important for new hires to posses a strong proficiency in basic computer skills as it relates to the online safety and security of their business, according to a new survey of 1,015 U.S. small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) by the National Cyber Security Alliance and Symantec.
Brief Examines College Persistence Rates
A new brief from the Center for Public Education examines ways to improve first-to-second-year "persistence" rates in college, since students are more likely to drop out their first year than any other. The brief identifies three factors that increase postsecondary chances of staying on track to a credential by roughly 50 percent, factors rooted in high school. The findings also suggests these factors have greatest impact on those who start college least likely to succeed: students who began high school with below-average achievement and socioeconomic status.
Will High-tech Standardized Tests Revolutionize Measurement of Student Learning?
The designers of new high-tech standardized tests that a majority of states plan to adopt in two years have offered an advance look at sample questions, writes Sarah Garland in The Hechinger Report. The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium has posted an English/Language arts question and a math question, and the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) has posted a sample question from its third grade assessment and a sample math question from its high school assessment. It has also been revealed that in some questions, which test designers call "computer enhanced," students will be asked to drag words or numbers across the screen, or highlight phrases or sentences in a reading passage.
Amazon Launches Whispercast to Push Into Content Distribution for Schools, Libraries, Businesses
Amazon.com, Inc. announced “Whispercast for Kindle,” giving schools and business customers a simple, scalable online tool for deploying Kindle devices and Kindle content. According to the Amazon.com press release, Whispercast provides a single access point to easily purchase and distribute Kindle books and documents for educational, marketing and employee incentive programs across Kindle devices and free Kindle reading applications for iPad, iPhone, Android phones and tablets, PCs and Macs.
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New Webinars Posted to AASL eCOLLAB!
The archives of three recent webinars are now available online as a part of AASL's professional development repository, eCOLLAB:
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How to be a Ninja Warrior Filter Fighter!
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Opening the Space: Libraries as a Site of Participatory Culture
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Wanted: Information Literacy Skills in a World of Google & Wikipedia
AASL members can access the webinars via eCOLLAB by logging into the AASL website using their ALA-provided website login.
Webinar - Seeing is Believing: Understanding Data Visualization for Library Research
Wednesday, November 7, 2012 - This free webinar, sponsored by the ALA Committee on Research and Statistics, will provide an overview of best practices in the graphical presentation of quantitative information, emphasizing the need for clarity, fairness, accuracy, and visual efficiency. The purpose of data visualization is to display data impartially in order to uncover the 'stories' data have to tell. When presentations follow the graphical principles presented, then trustworthy and useful stories can emerge from our data. This webinar is a great lead into the AASL webinar, The Power of Data, to be presented on November 15.
AASL Webinar Explores the Power of Data
School library professionals are encouraged to register for Dr. Sandra Andrews’ upcoming webinar, “The Power of Data” at 6 p.m. Central on Nov. 15, 2012. Hosted by AASL, the webinar will explore the types of data available to school librarians and how this data can be used to support school library programs. To register, visit www.ala.org/aasl/ecollab/upcoming.
Common Core Implementation Video Series
Videos developed by the Council of Chief State School Officers to help educators better understand the breadth of the Common Core State Standards and how they will cultivate lifelong learning for all students. The segments are organized into separate mathematics and English language arts sections, and demonstrate critical concepts related to each.
Library of Congress Launches Common Core Resource Center
The Library of Congress offers classroom materials and professional development to help educators effectively use primary sources from the Library's vast digital collections in their teaching.Find Library of Congress lesson plans and more that meet Common Core standards, state content standards, and the standards of national organizations.
iLearn II: An Analysis of the Education Category on Apple's App Store
The Joan Ganz Cooney Center has released iLearn II: An Analysis of the Education Category of Apple's App Store, an examination of nearly 200 top-selling education category apps for Apple’s iPad and iPhone with the goal of understanding this market’s dynamics and trends. The analysis highlights industry best practices and future opportunities for developers, educators and researchers to influence this important, but under-scrutinized category by closely examining the content of children’s apps within the education category.
Project RED Offers Free Implementation Monthly Webinar Series
Project RED conducted the first and only national study of education technology to focus on student achievement and financial implications. In their research of nearly 1,000 schools, they discovered a replicable design for successfully introducing technology into the classroom- one that leads to improved student performance and cost benefits.Each month Project RED offers a free webinar on implementation which is then archived on their website. The next webinar is December 12: Creating Capacity and Sustainability for Ed Tech.
Instructional Supports: The Missing Piece in State Education Standards
A new report from The Education Trust offers insights about the best ways states can support the nation's educators in their efforts to help students meet high academic standards.
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 to 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.
City National Bank: Reading is the Way Up
City National Bank is now accepting applications for grants to support literacy-based projects at public and private elementary, middle, and high schools in California, Nevada, and New York. Recipients can create, augment, or expand literacy projects that are judged to be creative and engaging, and that may help improve student achievement. Awards can be used for books, videos, CDs, DVDs, computer software or hardware, or in other ways as long as the recipient shows that the project for which funds are sought will support literacy. Maximum award: $500. Eligibility: any full-time teacher, librarian, or administrator at schools in counties where City National has offices. Deadline: November 30.
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.
Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries Accepting School Library Grant Applications
The Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries, a component fund of the Community Foundation for the National Capital Region in Washington, D.C., seeks to provide books and reading materials to the school libraries and students that most need them. The foundation provides grants of up to $5,000 to help school libraries expand, update, and diversify their book collections. In the last funding cycle, the foundation made grants totaling more than $1.1 million to two hundred and thirty-eight schools. The 2012 LBF grant application deadline is December 1.
ALA Excellence in Library Programming Award
The ALA Excellence in Library Programming Award recognizes a library that demonstrates excellence in library programming by creating a cultural/thematic program type or program series, presented during the preceding year (September 1, 2011 - August 31, 2012), that engages the community in planning, sponsorship and/or active participation, addresses an identified community need, and has a measurable impact.The Award consists of $5,000 and a citation of achievement, to be presented during the ALA Award Presentation at the ALA Annual Conference.Applications will be accepted online until December 1 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
Architecture for Humanity: Guerrilla Green Sustainable Showdown
The Guerrilla Green Sustainable Showdown invites teams of middle and high school students across the U.S. to bring innovative solutions to their school buildings, outdoor spaces, and activities. Maximum award: $10,000. Eligibility: middle or high school teams of one to four people. Deadline: December 3.
National Gardening Association Offers Youth Garden Grants
National Gardening Association Youth Garden Grants provide support to schools and community organizations with child-centered garden programs. In evaluating grant applications, priority will be given to programs that emphasize one or more of these elements: educational focus or curricular/program integration; nutrition or plant-to-food connections; environmental awareness/education; entrepreneurship; and social aspects of gardening such as leadership development, team building, community support, or service-learning. The maximum award is a gift card valued at $1,000 and educational materials from NGA. Schools, youth groups, community centers, camps, clubs, treatment facilities, and intergenerational groups throughout the United States are eligible. The deadline is December 3.
PBS LearningMedia and The Henry Ford present Teacher Innovator Awards
PBS Teacher Innovator Awards recognize innovative PreK-12 classroom educators, media specialists, technology coordinators, and homeschool educators who use digital media to enhance student learning. Entrants submit a short video or PDF with text and images that showcases their work. Entries can be a demonstration of a unique teaching technique or the outcome of influence on a student work. Maximum award: all-paid, week-long "Innovation Immersion Experience" at The Henry Ford in Dearborn, Michigan in August 2013; free professional development from PBS TeacherLine. Deadline: December 12.
National Federation of Independent Business: Young Entrepreneur Awards
The NFIB Young Entrepreneur Awards program raises awareness among the nation's youth of the critical role that private enterprise and entrepreneurship play in the building of America. Maximum award: $10,000 in tuition assistance. Eligibility: high school seniors. Deadline: December 17.
2012-2013 Christopher Columbus Awards
The Christopher Columbus Awards is a national, community-based STEM competition for middle school students and teachers looking to make a difference in their community. Working in teams, students identify a problem in the community and apply the scientific method to create an innovative solution. Maximum award: $25,000 grant. Eligibility: schools (grades 6-8) and community groups. Deadline: February 4, 2013.
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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AASL Partners with Carnegie Science Center to Inspire Girls to Pursue STEM Careers
 Can*TEEN Career Exploration is an innovative resource to inspire girls to see themselves in STEM careers through gaming and online activities. The initiative encourages tweens and teens to challenge and expand their knowledge of diverse STEM subject matter with connections to related professions, potential career paths and women out in the world making a difference. AASL, working with the Carnegie Science Center: Girls Math & Science Partnership, and with support from the Motorola Foundation, will distribute Can*TEEN Trivia Wheel Library Interactive CDs to more than 2,500 middle schools. An early opportunity is available for AASL members serving students ages 10-14 in PA, WV, IL and OH. Learn more & opt in here.
AASL Becomes Picture Book Month Partner
 AASL will celebrate the picture book during the month of November as a partner of the second annual Picture Book Month. Founded by author and storyteller Dianne de Las Casas, Picture Book Month is an international literacy initiative that celebrates the print picture book in an increasingly digital age. More information can be found on the initiative’s website at www.picturebookmonth.com.
AASL Again a Core Partner in Celebrating Digital Learning Day
 AASL again joins the Alliance for Excellent Education and other national educational associations and organizations in celebrating the second annual Digital Learning Day on Feb. 6, 2013. Digital Learning Day is a nationwide celebration of teaching and learning through digital media and technology that engages students and provides them with a rich, personalized, education experience. School librarians are encouraged to participate in events and contribute resources through the Digital Learning Day website located at www.digitallearningday.org.
Member Spotlight
 AASL Member Leader Wins award for Promoting Library Programs
The Florida Association for Media in Education has selected Bonnie Kelley, PreK-12 Library/Media technology specialist, for its 2012 Administrator Advocacy Award. The award honors district supervisors and administrators who have made “dynamic and significant contributions to the promotion of effective school library programs and services.”
Bonnie currently serves as the Supervisors Section Representative to the AASL Board of Directors.
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