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Volume 11, Issue 9
December 2012
In this Issue:
Association News
Education News
Resources for School Librarians
Grants & Awards
Partnership News
Member Spotlight
Association News
National School Library Program of the Year Deadline is Jan 1, 2013
The
NSLPY award, established in 1963, recognizes school library programs that meet the needs of the changing school and library environment and ensure that the students and staff are effective users of ideas and information. The award honors three programs that empower learners to be critical thinkers, enthusiastic readers, skillful researchers and ethical users of information. Each winning program receives a $10,000 prize ($30,000 total) donated by Follett Library Resources. The deadline to apply is 4:30 p.m. CST on Jan. 1, 2013. AASL personal members are required to complete the application using
AASL’s online awards database. NSLPY recipients will be invited to the annual Awards luncheon and ceremony during the ALA 2013 Annual Conference in Chicago. Visit the
AASL Awards website for more information including award application templates and a rubric.
Proposals for AASL13 Concurrent Sessions due December 7
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. Submissions will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. Central time on Friday, Dec. 7, 2012. More information is available on the
AASL website.
AASL President Commends Teen Digital Research Report
AASL commended the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project, the College Board, and the National Writing Project for the recently published report,
How Teens Do Research in the Digital World. The report shares findings on a survey of Advanced Placement and National Writing Project teachers about their students’ research habits and the impact of technology on their studies. AASL president Susan Ballard called the report a “must read” noting “the report points out both explicit and implied rationale related to the importance of the need for qualified school librarians to be at the forefront of collaborative instructional design, delivery, and assessment related to the development of effective student researchers.”
AASL Offers Assistance to Schools Impacted by Hurricane Sandy
AASL offers its support to its East Coast colleagues as recovery from the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy begins and encourages schools to apply for a Beyond Words disaster relief grant. The AASL Beyond Words grant program, funded by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation can be used to replace or supplement books, media and/or library equipment within school libraries affected by natural disasters. Grants can also be used to offset costs by those schools that have opened their doors to significant numbers of new students displaced by disaster. In addition to funding, the program features a comprehensive website devoted to disaster relief and recovery. More information can be found on the
AASL website.
Filtering in Schools Creates Disconnected Educators
According to the results of the 2012
School Libraries Count! longitudinal 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. While these schools report that overly restrictive filters negatively impact student learning, findings indicate educator curriculum development and collaboration activities are also impeded.
Remote Access to School Library Resources Continues to Rise
According to trend data collected by AASL, library staffing, expenditures and physical usage remains consistent with 2011 results. The data also indicates connectivity to the school library continues to rise through increased networked computers in the school as well as remote access to school library databases. Data was collected as part of AASL’s national longitudinal survey, School Libraries Count! (SLC), conducted yearly since 2007. More information on the background, methodology and history of the survey – including past reports – is available on the
AASL website.
AASL Sponsors Kathleen Roberts and Amy Jo Southworth as Emerging Leaders
AASL sponsored two participants in the 2013 ALA Emerging Leaders program. The AASL-sponsored participants will join 50 of their peers as the program kicks off at the ALA 2013 Midwinter Meeting in Seattle, Wash. Kathleen Roberts of Henrico, Va., and Amy Jo Southworth of Sayville, N.Y., will participate in project planning workgroups; network with peers; gain an inside look into ALA structure; and have an opportunity to serve the profession in a leadership capacity early in their careers. In sponsoring these two participants, AASL will defray the cost of attending the ALA 2013 Midwinter Meeting and the ALA 2013 Annual Conference.
AASL Executive Director Receives Outstanding Achievement Award
Julie Walker, AASL executive director, was recognized with an outstanding achievement award by the Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI) during its 2012 annual conference in Washington, DC on Thursday, Nov. 15. Nominated by the National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA), Walker was recognized for her exceptional work in the field of online safety.
AASL National Conference Website Launched
AASL has launched the website for its 16th National Conference & Exhibition, “Rising to the Challenge.” The website,
national.aasl.org, contains preliminary information on the conference including registration rates, preconference workshops, educational tours, general session speakers, and author events.
Education News
CCSSO Releases Vision for Social Studies Framework
The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) has released The Vision for the College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Inquiry in Social Studies State Standards which provides guidance for states to use in enhancing their standards for rigor in civics, economics, geography, and history in K-12 schools. The C3 Framework will focus primarily on inquiry and concepts, and will guide the content necessary for a rigorous social studies program. CCSSO recognizes the critical importance of content to the disciplines within social studies and supports individual state leadership in selecting the appropriate and relevant content. Like the Common Core State Standards, the C3 Framework will be based on evidence and will aim at college and career readiness.
ASCD Report Looks at Implementing AND Sustaining the Common Core State Standards
A new report from ASCD looks at actions that educators and policymakers at all levels can undertake to implement the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) successfully. "Fulfilling the Promise of the Common Core State Standards: Moving from Adoption to Implementation to Sustainability" issues a number of recommendations and views implementation of CCSS as an unprecedented opportunity for professional learning and collaboration.
Common Core State Standards May Present Challenges for English Language Learners
A new report from the Alliance for Excellent Education, The Role of Language and Literacy in College- and Career-Ready Standards: Rethinking Policy and Practice in Support of English Language Learners, discusses challenges that the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) may present for English Language learners (ELLs) and their teachers. The report lists ten key strategies for language and content learning that all teachers must understand, given the growing number of ELLs.
Paper Examines How Social Networking Sites Mediate Kids' Socializing
The Joan Ganz Cooney Center released a new research paper titled Kids online: A new research agenda for understanding social networking forums written by Sara Grimes and Deborah Fields. The paper is a comprehensive report which seeks to identify and explain some of the most pressing questions about children’s involvement online in popular social media activities. The paper addresses gaps in knowledge such as which children are using social networking forums and what are they doing while there and what should designers, educators, and parents be aware of as they navigate these new environments and try to help children make the most of them.
New Study Shows Significant Gaps in Perceptions about Teens' Online Behavior
Research released by the Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI) explores the online generation gap between parents and teens and reveals a number of disparities in their views about online safety. The study shows that teens think parents are less informed of their online activities and parents are monitoring more than teens think. These gaps in perception demonstrate that great advancements can and should be made to improve communication between parents and teens about online behavior.
Educators Feel Technology is Changing How Students Learn
There is a widespread belief among teachers that students’ constant use of digital technology is hampering their attention spans and ability to persevere in the face of challenging tasks, according to two surveys of teachers just released. One was conducted by the Pew Internet Project, a division of the Pew Research Center that focuses on technology-related research. The other comes from Common Sense Media, a nonprofit organization in San Francisco that advises parents on media use by children.
Report Details Best Practices for Working with Low-income, High-ability Learners
A new report, Unlocking Emergent Talent, from the National Association of Gifted Children offers recommendations regarding how to better serve low-income, high-ability learners. The report spotlights strong evidence-based program models that produce performance results for these children -- who are often overlooked -- detailing educational best practices and identifying research and public policy gaps that, if filled, could achieve significant results for the future.
Speak Up 2012 is Now Extended Until December 21
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 21.
2013 eRate Filing Window Announced
Schools and libraries can begin requesting their share of $2.3 billion in telecommunications discounts through the federal eRate program on Dec. 12, and they’ll have until March 14 to apply for 2013 funding. The eRate gives out $2.3 billion in telecommunications discounts each year to eligible schools and libraries.
Scores Drop on Kentucky's Common Core-Aligned Tests
Results from new state tests in Kentucky—the first in the nation explicitly tied to the Common Core State Standards—show that the share of students scoring “proficient” or better in reading and math dropped by roughly a third or more in both elementary and middle school the first year the tests were given. Kentucky began implementing the common standards in the 2011-12 school year.
Resources for School Librarians
AASL Webinar Looks at Making the Most of Professional Learning Communities
School library professionals are encouraged to register for the new AASL Knowledge Quest webinar, “Making the Most of Professional Learning Communities” taking place at 6 p.m. Central on Dec. 12, 2012. Presented by Sandra Hughes-Hassell, Amanda Brasfield, and Debbie Dupree, the webinar will examine the variety of roles school librarians play - information specialist, staff developer, teacher and collaborator, critical friend, leader, researcher, learner and student advocate - as members of professional learning communities (PLCs). To register, visit AASL eCOLLAB.
Worlds of Learning Revealed in New AASL Webinar on Transmedia Storytelling
The place of transmedia in learning will be examined in a new webinar offered by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL). Taking place at 6:00 p.m. Central on Dec. 11, 2012, “Worlds of Learning with Inanimate Alice” will explore how transmedia storytelling exemplifies learning in the 21st century. Using the website Inanimate Alice, an interactive digital graphic novel set in the early years of the 21st century, presenter Laura Fleming will lead attendees through issues key to understanding the importance of transmedia literacy in education. Named an AASL Best Website for Teaching and Learning in 2012, Inanimate Alice uses text, images, music, sound effects, puzzles and games to illustrate and enhance the story of Alice. To register, visit AASL eCOLLAB.
Archived AASL Webinar Reveals How Data can be Used to Support School Library Programs
The archive of the recent webinar, “The Power of Data,” is now available online as a part of AASL'S professional development repository, eCOLLAB. The webinar, presented by Dr. Sandra Andrews, explores the types of data available to school librarians and how they can help in making decisions at the school level. Andrews also explored how datasets at the local, state and national level can be used to support advocacy and communicating your program’s needs and successes. To view the archived webinar visit AASL eCOLLAB.
Collaborative Resource Sharing
AASL’s Essential Links is a directory to the best resources for school librarians. Essential Links is a wiki that lets AASL members share excellent articles, studies and websites related to professional practice. This month check out the new page on Personal Learning Networks for Professional Development. We are also looking for contributions for links to the best information about Libraries as Learning Commons. Your favorite resources on school library topics, are likely to become your colleagues’ favorites, too!
Complimentary Webinar to Share Strategies for Leveraging Digital Learning Day
Digital Learning Day 2013, hosted by the Alliance for Excellent Education, is a celebration of excellence and a perfect opportunity to make educators, schools, and districts shine! During Encouraging and Recognizing Educators and Principals: Strategies for Leveraging Digital Learning Day, a complimentary webinar taking place December 6, presenters - including AASL member Robyn Young - will provide several excellent examples of Digital Learning in action and will offer strategies one can use to participate in Digital Learning Day and recognize educators.
Project ENABLE Training Website Launched
Syracuse University's School of Information Studies, Center for Digital Literacy, and Burton Blatt Institute have launched the Project ENABLE (Expanding Nondiscriminatory Access By Librarians Everywhere) training website, made possible by a Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian grant from the Institute of Museum & Library Services. The website provides high quality, comprehensive, train-the-trainer continuing education program for New York's school librarians in ways to create and deliver effective library and information services to students with disabilities. The site contains five learning modules containing useful information in a variety of formats (text, video, photos, graphics, audio over PowerPoint and more).
Free Learning Space Toolkit Now Available
The Learning Space Toolkit is a freely available resource designed to support the full lifecycle of a learning space design project, from defining the goals and needs to designing the space to supporting it. By using the Toolkit, institutions will be better equipped to orchestrate the planning process so that learners are better supported and spaces, technology, and services are effective. The Learning Space Toolkit was a collaborative project created by the North Carolina State University Libraries and DELTA, brightspot strategy, Strategy Plus at AECOM and was made possible by a National Leadership Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
January 28th is Data Privacy Day
Data Privacy Day is an effort to empower people to protect their privacy and control their digital footprint and escalate the protection of privacy and data as everyone’s priority and is celebrated yearly on January 28th. Data Privacy Day is led by the National Cyber Security Alliance, a non-profit, public private partnership focused on cyber security education for all online citizens. Their website includes ways educators can get involved and encourage members of the community to respect privacy, safeguard data and enable trust.
Grants & Awards
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.
Pearson Foundation Announces Student Digital Storymakers Award
The Pearson Foundation and digital publisher, Atavist, have announced the details of the first annual Digital Storymakers Award -- an award that recognizes excellence in original student nonfiction narrative that blends, text, photo, video, interactive maps and other rich media features. The award is open to high school, college and graduate students, including those studying journalism, graphic arts, writing, photography and documentary video/film who create a nonfiction, multimedia narrative. The 2013 grand prize is $5,000 and publication in the Digital Storymakers App. Story submissions accepted starting January 1, 2013, and due April 15, 2013.
Partnership News
The Whole Child Blog - APPR: It’s All About the Students
A new blog post submitted by AASL members Paige Jaeger and Sue Kowalski on behalf of AASL, a Whole Child partner, is now available. Their post focuses on the launching of the Common Core and the requirement to have Annual Professional Performance Reviews (APPR) defined for classroom teachers. However, they point out, as states develop APPR models to measure the classroom teacher's efficacy, often the school librarians, technology staff, and other educators who "complete" the learning experience are left out.
Join the Project RED Professional Learning Community
In 2010, Project RED (Revolutionizing Education) conducted the first large-scale national study to identify and prioritize the factors that make some U.S. K-12 technology implementations perform dramatically better than others. When you join the Project RED Community you’ll be able to take advantage of a wealth of free resources designed to support the effective implementation of technology in schools. Access best practices for successful technology implementations and collaborate with other districts in this free, online community.
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.
Join the Movement to Transform Literacy Education in America
By registering in the Literacy in Learning Exchange for free, you will get recognition and support from AASL and the top foundations and professional associations serving educators, as well as access to videos, peer-reviewed articles, webinars, and other information resources. Once registered, you will have the opportunity to set up a group to put your school on the map as a site where professionals work together to advance student literacy learning! Your group will become eligible to get direct consultative support from NCLE staff and will be connected with others who are doing similar work to share what you know/learn.
Celebrate the Potential of Technology in Schools
Digital Learning Day is February 6, 2013! DLD is a great opportunity to highlight the school library program and its role in creating a digitally literate school community. Now is the time to start making plans for you and your students to participate in this nationwide celebration of great teaching and learning!
Member Spotlight
AASL Member Elected Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction
AASL member Glenda Ritz pulled off an upset thanks to some grass-roots campaigning in the race for Indiana superintendent of public instruction. In her victory speech, she thanked and promised supporters:
"I have to thank the tireless work of countless education groups, parents, grandparents, who talked to voters for months about the change we need for our children...I'm an educator. I'm not a politician. And they have their work cut out for them when I told them that this would be a campaign about education policy....We will have an educational agenda, not a political agenda."
Parker Middle School Library is First School Library to Win Annual Michigan State Librarian's Excellence Award
The Library of Michigan Foundation annually bestows the State Librarian’s Excellence Award for superior customer services to one Michigan library. In November 2012, State Librarian Nancy Robertson presented the award to Parker Middle School Library during the Michigan Library Association annual conference in Detroit. Parker is the first school library to be honored with the award. "It's a thrill to make this year's award to a school library" said State Superintendent Mike Flanagan. "Libraries in schools are of paramount importance in helping Michigan's K-12 students succeed in their educational endeavors, so that they can be career and college ready." Katherine Lester, AASL member and Parker Middle School librarian, accepted the award, "We work very hard to ensure that the library is a "hub" for our school and to empower our students to be enthusiastic readers, critical thinkers, skillful researchers, and ethical users of information. I hope that by receiving this award, we can shine light on the wonderful and necessary work being done by school librarians across Michigan."
AASL Members Recognized by OELMA for Outstanding Service to the Library Profession
At its annual October conference, the Ohio Educational Library Media Association recognized several AASL members for outstanding service to the library profession:
The Springboro Junior High School, Springboro, Ohio, was recognized as a noteworthy school library media center.
Sarah Thornbery, AASL regional director for Region III, is the library media specialist at Springboro Junior High School. Sarah has also served as a regional director, President Elect, President, and Past President of OELMA.
Angela Wotjecki and Nancy Boone were recognized as Emerging Leaders.
Angela Wotjecki is the District Librarian for Nordonia Hills City Schools in Nordonia, Ohio. She has immersed herself in the professional world by volunteering as a conference session host and presenting at the OELMA conference. Her most important role has been behind the scenes in organizing professional development activities for OELMA’s East Region for which she is currently serving a two year term as a regional director.
Nancy Boone is the library media specialist at the Ohio School for the Deaf. Being a school library media specialist is a difficult task by itself, but Nancy Boone, library media specialist for the Ohio School for the Deaf, must also converse in American Sign Language with her students and staff and actively supports OELMA.
Vicky Schmarr received the Award of Merit for outstanding service to the OELMA and the library profession. Vicky is a National Board Certified Teacher and has been recognized for her leadership skills with induction into Pi Lambda Theta, International Honor Society in Education, Library Leadership Ohio, leadership education & training program, and Beta Phi Mu, International Library Science Honorary.
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