Volume 12, Issue 7
October 2013
In This Issue:
Association News
Education News
Resources for School Librarians
Grants & Awards
Partnership News
Member Spotlight
Association News
School Librarian Participation Sought in Survey on Integrating the CCSS
AASL and the National Center for Literacy Education (NCLE) invite school librarians to complete a 20-minute questionnaire regarding collaborative professional learning and integrating the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) into professional practice. As work on the CCSS literacy standards is taken up in schools across the country, it’s important that educators, parents, policy makers, and other key decision makers get a clear picture of what they mean for teaching and learning in every discipline. Please complete the questionnaire by
Monday, October 28. At the end of the survey, you can elect to have your name entered into a drawing for a $500 Amazon gift card.
AASL Awarded IMLS National Leadership Grant
AASL has been awarded a National Leadership Grant for Libraries from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). AASL’s “Causality: School Libraries and Student Success (CLASS)” national research forum was one of 42 grants awarded by IMLS totaling more than $14.6 million. National Leadership Grants for Libraries support projects that improve professional practice beyond the grantee institution. AASL will use the $99,398 in grant monies to host a national forum to outline a research agenda for future school library research. The national forum, in addition to a research agenda, will create an interdisciplinary networked community of researchers who will pursue research studies on student achievement that meet scientifically based empirical research models.
Online Application for AASL’s National School Library Program of the Year Award Now Open
The online application for AASL’s 2014 National School Library Program of the Year (NSLPY) Award is now open. Schools and school districts interested in applying can access the application using AASL’s
online awards database. Sponsored by Follett, the NSLPY Award annually recognizes three school library programs that meet the needs of the changing school and library environment and are fully integrated into the school’s curriculum. Each recipient receives an obelisk—the symbol of school library excellence—and $10,000 toward its school library program. The deadline for submitting an application for the NSLPY Award is 4:30 p.m. CST on Jan. 1, 2014. The 2014 application and award rubric are available for download via the
AASL website.
AASL13’s One Book, One Conference Gets the Right Things Done
The AASL national conference committee has named “18 Minutes: Find Your Focus, Master Distraction, and Get the Right Things Done” as the One Book, One Conference read for the AASL 16th National Conference & Exhibition. Written by closing general session speaker, Peter Bregman, the book outlines a three-step process for prioritizing a 9-hour workday which takes only 18 minutes. The One Book, One Conference in-person discussion will take place during national conference in Hartford on Friday, Nov. 15, 2013. In addition, AASL President-Elect and National Conference Co-Chair Terri Grief will lead an online discussion via the AASL conference Ning. All are invited to participate by joining the discussion group at
ning.aasl.org/groups/book-discussion. More information about One Book, One Conference is available on the national conference website at
national.aasl.org/one-book.
AASL Members Name Finalists in National Book Festival Summer Writing Contest
Forty members of AASL participated in the “A Book That Shaped Me” Library of Congress National Book Festival Summer Writing Contest as first round panel judges. The program, now in its second year, asks rising fifth- and sixth-graders to reflect on a book that has made a personal impact on their lives. The Library of Congress received more than 300 entries in the 2013 contest from participants in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. AASL member judges each read and scored 20-25 entries to determine the five finalists from each state. State and grand-prize winners were named during the "A Book That Shaped Me" presentation at the Library of Congress National Book Festival in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 22. Each state winner received a $50 gift-card prize and travel to attend the Library of Congress National Book Festival costs covered.
Education News
Department of Education Issues Guidance on Shift to Common Core
The U.S. Department of Education has issued guidance to states transitioning to tests under the Common Core State Standards. Deborah S. Delisle, assistant secretary for elementary and secondary education, wrote in a letter to state school superintendents that states have the option of dropping their current tests and using math and English-language arts field tests instead developed by either the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium or the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers. The guidance seeks to address “double testing” of students.
Limited English Proficiency, By the Numbers
The U.S. Department of Education issued its fourth biennial report to Congress on states’ implementation of ESEA’s Title III State Formula Grant Program, which provides funds to ensure all limited-English-proficient (LEP) students attain English proficiency and achieve at the same level set for all students. Since the first biennial report in 2002-03, the number of K-12 LEP students identified in the United States has increased 7 percent, to 4.65 million in 2009-10. The number of K-12 LEP students served under Title III has increased by 22 percent, to 4.45 million. In 2009-10, 2,052,054 students under Title III made progress in learning English, and 1,144,177 students attained proficiency. In 2009-10, 839,434 LEP students scored at or above proficient in reading or language arts, and 1,064,628 LEP students scored at or above proficient in mathematics.
Most Schools Make Digital Literacy a Part of Curriculum
Among readers of SmartBrief on EdTech who responded to a recent poll, 97% said digital literacy is part of their curriculum -- usually spread across multiple subjects. About 30% of respondents also reported the integration of special literary events or projects during September, which is National Literacy Month.
C3 Framework Released to Aid the Development of Social Studies State Standards
The National Council for the Social Studies released the College, Career, and Civic Life Framework. It offers states a set of guidelines to follow when setting standards in social studies. The C3 framework focuses not on curricular content for civics, economics, geography and history but describes disciplinary concepts and skills through “dimensions,” including the development of questions and inquiries, applying disciplinary tools and concepts, evaluating sources, communicating conclusions and taking informed action.
Independent Reading Improves Students’ Math and Literacy Skills
Students ages 10 to 16 who read books for pleasure had a stronger vocabulary and performed better in math and spelling, according to a study by researchers at the University of London’s Institute of Education. According to the research, which was based on a long-term study of 6,000 students, those whose parents read to them at age 5 also did well, but independent reading in secondary school was found to lead to even higher gains in academics.
Most Students with Dyslexia Benefit from E-Readers
U.S. researchers tested the reading skills of children with dyslexia and found that using e-readers was associated with greater reading comprehension and speed in most students, compared with traditional paper. However, the study showed that children who had lower “visual attention span” scores comprehended less of what they read on electronic devices. The study was published in the journal PLOS One.
Most NEA Members Support Common Core State Standards
A poll from the National Education Association finds that a majority of the association’s members either “wholeheartedly” support the Common Core State Standards (26%) or support them with “some reservations” (50%). Only 11 percent of those surveyed expressed opposition. Reservations expressed by teachers include the concern they will not have the resources they need to implement the standards. More than three quarters of respondents said they were well or somewhat prepared to implement the new standards.
Professional Development Key to Common Core Success
A report from the National School Boards Association asserts that professional development for teachers is key to the successful implementation of new teaching methods under the Common Core State Standards. The report also stated it will take repeated practice over time for teachers to master these new skills, and peer coaches and mentors can help teachers implement what they have learned.
Is Teacher Evaluation Worth It?
An article in the journal
Education Researcher looks at whether teacher evaluations lead to enhanced student learning. To date, the authors say evidence from standards-based teacher/VAM evaluation systems has not met the standard for making accurate and equitable high-stakes personnel decisions for individual teachers. They point to concerns about the stability of VAM teacher estimates across subjects, grade levels, and time; the capacity of administrators to produce valid evaluations when employing these new tools without extensive training; and the efficacy of evaluation to yield improvements in teaching practice.
RttT Rushed and Unresourced
A report from the Economic Policy Institute examines how adherence to commitments for the federal Race to the Top (RttT) has played out over the first three years and what progress states have made toward meeting outcome goals. The report finds states are largely behind schedule in improving instruction and educational outcomes just a year before funding ends. Many have experienced setbacks due to unrealistic promises and unexpected challenges, and implementation of the Common Core State Standards will only deepen problems.
Resources for School Librarians
Essential Links to Keep You Organized
Staying sane in the library depends on being highly organized. If you’re looking for pointers on improving your library management—from communication with teachers and parents to setting policies—check out AASL’s Essential Links. Get some pointers for putting systems in place to get more done and do it better here
http://aasl.ala.org/essentiallinks/index.php?title=Library_Management.
November Is Picture Book Month
November is Picture Book Month. The website,
PictureBookMonth.com, features essays from thought leaders in the children’s literature community. Each day in November, a new essay is posted. A downloadable promotional kit is available as well as certificates, posters, and bookmarks created by Joyce Wan. Brain Burps About Books Podcast, the #1 kidlit podcast on iTunes, is dedicating the entire month of November to Picture Book Month.
Tips on Teaching Common Core Vocabulary
A post on Edutopia’s blog outlines eleven solid brain-based tips for teaching vocabulary with visual, auditory, and kinesthetic methods for improved acquisition and recall. According to the post, “To process and store the academic vocabulary of the standards, our students’ brains require an efficient automatic memory system. This system, also called
nonmotor procedural memory, stores information that is repeated, such as multiplication tables, song lyrics, words and definitions.”
4 Ways to Incorporate Literacy into All Subjects
Science, social studies and math teachers needing to incorporate Common Core literacy objectives into their instruction can make small changes to begin hitting these targets in class, education consultant Andrew Miller writes in this blog post. He offers four tips, such as having students read course content and answer questions in writing or as a class discussion to get started.
Fundraising Tips to Build Makerspaces
Paloma Garcia-Lopez, executive director of the Maker Education Initiative, provides six strategies for funding a makerspace in this post on Edutopia’s blog. One suggestion she offers is to start a maker club to raise money for the project, engaging the campus and local community. “Conduct a "tool drive" within your school or neighborhood, asking parents to donate tools.”
Grants & Awards
Knowles Science Teaching Foundation Fellowships
The Knowles Science Teaching Foundation awards fellowships in the areas of biological sciences, mathematics, and physical sciences to support high school math and science teachers from the onset of the credentialing process through the early years of their careers. Maximum award includes professional workshops, materials grants, and access to a teacher-to-teacher mentoring network, valued at $150,000. Deadline is October 15, 2013.
CVS Caremark Community Grants
CVS Caremark Community Grants give funds to nonprofit organizations for programs targeting children with disabilities, programs focusing on health and rehabilitation services, public schools promoting a greater level of inclusion in student activities and extracurricular programs, and initiatives that give greater access to physical movement and play. Maximum award is $5,000. Nonprofit organizations with programs targeting children with disabilities and public schools with programs for children under age 18 with disabilities are eligible. Deadline is October 31, 2013.
NSTA Shell Science Teaching Award
The Shell Science Teaching Award recognizes one outstanding classroom science teacher (K-12) who has had a positive impact on his or her students, school, and community through exemplary classroom science teaching. Maximum award is $10,000. K-12 classroom science teachers are eligible. Deadline is November 8, 2013.
AIA/NAR Team America Rocketry Challenge
The Aerospace Industries Association and the National Association of Rocketry’s Team America Rocketry Challenge invites teams of three to ten students to design, build, and fly a model rocket that reaches a specific altitude and duration. The top 100 teams will go to Washington, DC, for the national finals in May. Maximum award includes $60,000 in cash and scholarships split between the top 10 finishers. The application for a team must come from a single school or a single U.S. incorporated non-profit youth or educational organization. Team members must be students currently enrolled in grades 7 through 12 in a U.S. school or home school. Deadline is November 30, 2013.
Delta Education/Frey-Neo/CPO Awards for Excellence in Inquiry-based Science Teaching
The Delta Education/Frey-Neo/CPO Science Awards for Excellence in Inquiry-based Science Teaching will recognize and honor three full-time preK-12 teachers of science who successfully use inquiry-based science to enhance teaching and learning in their classrooms. Maximum award includes $1,500 toward expenses to attend the NSTA National Conference, April 3-6, 2014, Boston; and $1,500 for the awardee. PreK-12 teachers are eligible. Deadline is November 30, 2013.
AAPT Barbara Lotze Scholarships for Future Teachers
The American Association of Physics Teachers Barbara Lotze Scholarships offer funds for future high school physics teachers. Maximum award is $2,000. U.S. citizens attending U.S. schools as undergraduates enrolled, or planning to enroll, in physics teacher preparation curricula, and U.S. high school seniors entering such programs are eligible. Deadline is December 1, 2013.
Starbucks Foundation: Youth Leadership Grants
The Starbucks Foundation is interested in supporting organizations that equip young people in three areas: business savvy, social conscience, and collaborative communication. Maximum award is $30,000. Eligibility: youth ages 15 to 25 years old. Deadline is December 15, 2013.
StudentCam National Video Documentary Competition
StudentCam is C-SPAN’s annual national video documentary competition that encourages students to think critically about issues that affect our communities and our nation. StudentCam's theme for 2014 is “A Message to the U.S. Congress: What's the most important issue the U.S. Congress should consider in 2014?” Maximum award includes $5,000, plus $750 to spend on digital video equipment for his/her school. Students grades 6-12, individually or in teams, are eligible. Deadline is January 20, 2014.
Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision Awards
The Toshiba/National Science Teachers Association ExploraVision Awards Program encourages kids to create and explore a vision of future technology by combining their imaginations with the tools of science. Maximum award is a $10,000 bond per student on winning team. Students K-12 are eligible. Deadline is January 30, 2014.
Partnership News
October Is Connected Educator Month
October is Connected Educator Month. CEM help and resources are available on the
CEM Getting Started page, which includes links to the
CEM Starter Kit, Help Desk,
District/LEA Toolkit, and more. Participating organizations should check out the
CEM Resource Center to plan activities/events and get the word out about them. And everyone should consider joining
edConnectr, the new matchmaker service developed to help you make connections, find collaborators, and get support, during CEM and beyond.
A Blueprint for Bringing Digital Tools into Schools
The Consortium for School Networking offers advice to school officials on how they can transform schools using digital tools by sharpening their focus on everything from teachers' professional development to community engagement. "Seven Keys to Unlocking School Tranformation With Digital Media" is meant to help district officials avoid the stumbles that can prevent technology from being used effectively.
Member Spotlight
Deven Black Receives the 2013 School Librarian Bammy Award
Deven Black, librarian at MS Castle Hill Middle School in the Bronx, NY, was awarded the 2013 School Librarian Bammy Award. He took over a library that had become moribund, out of date, anachronistic, completely disorganized and with no technology. In two years he turned it into a much more modern, way more up-to-date, fully automated functioning library that circulates 200 books a week. He writes that he is always on a quest to support students in learning in ways aligned to their interests, strengths and talents.
Doug Johnson Pens Article for ASCD’s Educational Leadership Journal
Doug Johnson, director of media and technology at Mankato Public Schools in Mankato, Minnesota, wrote an article for ASCD’s Educational Leadership journal titled “Power Up! / The New School Library.” The column, written for school administrators, examines how school libraries are thriving in the “new information environment by repurposing their physical spaces to adapt to the digital age.” He states, “The emphasis has shifted from teaching learners how to find and organize information to teaching them how to evaluate and use information. But students and teachers need guidance and instruction more than ever. Teaching space for use by the school's information expert—the librarian—remains vital.”
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