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Preddy Elected 2015–2016 AASL President
 Leslie Preddy, school librarian at Perry Meridian Middle School in Indianapolis, Ind., has been elected as the 2015-2016 AASL President. Preddy will serve as president-elect during 2014-2015. Preddy is a previous AASL Collaborative School Library Award recipient, and under her tenure, Perry Meridian Middle School was named a National School Library Program of the Year in 2010. She has served as chair of the AASL Innovative Reading Grant committee and as a member of the AASL Distinguished School Administrators Award committee and the ALA Sara Jaffarian School Library Program Award for Exemplary Humanities Programming.
Former AASL President Dr. Marilyn Miller Dies
 Dr. Marilyn Lea Miller, 83, Professor Emeritus, Department of Library and Information Studies, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, passed away on May 22. Miller served as AASL President from 1986 to 1987, during the creation of Information Power (ALA, 1988). She then moved on to serve as president of the American Library Association from 1992 to 1993. She also served as president of the Association for Library Service to Children (1979-80). Miller’s career advanced education, research and practice in library service to children broadly and school librarianship specifically.
AASL Debuts New Virtual Membership Meeting
AASL will hold its first virtual membership meeting at 5 p.m. Central (6 p.m. Eastern, 4 p.m. Mountain, 3 p.m. Pacific) on Sunday, June 8. The annual membership meeting provides AASL members with a “state of the association” update via reports from AASL leadership. As the membership meeting requires no official vote of AASL membership, all members of the school library profession are invited to attend. RSVP at www.ala.org/aasl/vmm to receive an email with a link to the online meeting space.
New AASL Publication Develops School Library Collections for the 22nd Century
 The newest publication from AASL, “Developing Collections to Empower Learners,” examines collection development in the context of today’s shift toward digital resources, while emphasizing the foundational beliefs of the school library profession. Written by AASL member Sue Kimmel, the book provides practical advice about needs assessment, planning, selection, acquisitions, evaluation and continuous improvement for collections to support AASL’s “Standards for the 21st-Century Learner.” The publication is available in both print and e-book formats, as well as a print/e-book bundle, and can be purchased through the ALA online store.
Don't Miss AASL at the ALA Annual Conference
 AASL will be hosting several preconference workshops and special events at the upcoming ALA Annual Conference in Las Vegas. Space is still available to register for preconference workshops. To learn more about the workshops, visit http://www.ala.org/aasl/conferences/annual/precons. Also don’t miss the AASL Awards Ceremony and President’s Program on Saturday morning. To learn more about the awards ceremony and president's program, visit http://www.ala.org/aasl/conferences/annual. AASL would like to thank ABC-CLIO for their support of our Affiliate Assembly.
Public Librarians and the CCSS Webinar Now Archived in eCOLLAB
The archive of the webinar “The Common Core and the Public Librarian: Reaching Patrons and Students” is now available to view as part of AASL's professional development repository, eCOLLAB. The webinar explores the ways public librarians can become involved in the implementation of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and support their school librarian colleagues.
AASL Invites Program Proposals for Its 17th National Conference & Exhibition
AASL invites proposals for preconference workshops and concurrent sessions to be presented during its 17th National Conference & Exhibition taking place Nov. 5-8, 2015, in Columbus, Ohio. The preconference workshop deadline is Friday, Aug. 15, 2014, and the concurrent session deadline is Friday, Nov. 7, 2014. More information is available at www.ala.org/aasl/rfp.
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Kyla Johnson Awarded a Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching Grant
 Kyla Johnson, the librarian at Farmington High School in Farmington, New Mexico, was awarded a Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching grant by the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board to conduct research in the United Kingdom. Johnson is one of 43 teachers nationwide selected to travel abroad during the 2014-2015 school year. Johnson said the goal of her trip will be to learn the best practices from grade schools and colleges in the United Kingdom to bring back to America while sharing U.S. efforts in the library science field.
Stacy Ford Named 2014 Norman Public School Teacher of the Year
 Stacy Ford, Librarian at Kennedy Elementary School in Norman (Oklahoma) Public Schools, was named the 2014 Norman Public Schools (NPS) District Teacher of the Year. Stacy is the 2013-2014 Secretary of Oklahoma School Librarians (OKSL) association, a division of the Oklahoma Library Association and an AASL Affiliated organization. He serves as a Sequoyah Book Award Team Member (Oklahoma's state book award for children). Under his leadership, Stacy's school received a grant award from the Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries in 2013. He is also a current member of AASL's School Library Month committee.
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NAEP Scores Show No Progress in Reading and Math
The latest scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) indicate that American high school seniors showed no improvement in reading and math in four years, and achievement gaps between demographic groups have not decreased. While 12th-grade math scores are slightly higher than in 2005, reading scores are lower than in 1992. In reading, 25 percent of 12th-graders in 2013 scored below basic, and just 37 percent scored at or above proficient. In 2013, 26 percent of America’s 12th-graders scored at or above “proficient” in math; just 3 percent scored “advanced."
Chicago Teachers Union Opposes CCSS
Delegates to the Chicago Teachers Union passed a resolution last month saying the union formally opposes the Common Core State Standards, which are being implemented in schools across Chicago, Illinois and some 44 other states. In a statement released to the media, the union said the resolution “enjoins the city’s educators to growing national opposition to the Common Core State Standards, saying the assessments disrupt student learning and consume tremendous amounts of time and resources for test preparation and administration.”
Participate in the National Board Field Test
The National Board is seeking PreK-12 teachers in most content areas, as well as college and graduate students pursuing a teaching license, to volunteer to take part in in-person field tests of the revised National Board Certification process. If you are interested in pursuing National Board Certification, the field tests are your opportunity to “test drive” the process at no cost and no risk. In exchange for 3.5 hours of your time, you will be eligible to receive up to $50 in gift cards upon successful completion of each online testing appointment. Selected participants will be notified by the National Board.
Students, Teachers, Administrators Weigh in on Testing
 A survey from the Northwest Evaluation Association finds that only about one in three teachers (29%) can correctly identify the definition of formative assessment practice. The survey notes that teachers and district administrators who collaborate on assessment are more confident about using assessment data to drive instruction and student learning.
State of California School Libraries
An article in EdSource reviews the current state of school libraries in California. It finds that while the national average ratio for school librarians to students is one school librarian for 1,022 students, in California the ratio is one school librarian for 7,784 students. Of the libraries that are open about half are open less than 20 hours a week. There is a bill before the state assembly for possible new funding that would give districts with 55% or greater low-income populations 3 school years of funding for a school nurse, school psychologist and school librarian.
Report Spotlights Reading Habits of Children
“Green Eggs and Ham” by Dr. Seuss tops the chart of most-read books by early learners, according to the new “What Kids Are Reading” report. Data show 12th-graders read about 15% nonfiction, while The Hunger Games trilogy landed in the top 10 among students in grades 7 to 10. “Anytime a book is turned into a movie ... the book shoots way up in popularity,” said Eric Stickney, director of educational research for Renaissance Learning, which conducted the annual survey.
The Number of Teens Reading for Fun Declines
A new study from Common Sense Media finds that 45 percent of 17-year-olds say they read by choice only once or twice a year. In 1984, 8 percent of 13-year-olds and 9 percent of 17-year-olds said they “never” or “hardly ever” read for pleasure. In 2014, that number had almost tripled to 22 percent and 27 percent. Parents are also reading to their kids less than ever. In 1999, children ages 2 to 7 were read to for an average of 45 minutes per day. In 2013, that number had dropped to an average of just over 30 minutes per day
The Challenges to Innovation in Schools
The League of Innovative Schools, which was brought together by Digital Promise, has identified seven problems that are--in some cases--hindering educational innovation in the U.S., including resistance to change and a lack of empowerment among teachers and others. Other problems include outdated professional development, budgets that do not allow for enough flexibility and a lack of evidence-based practices.
Study Explores Association between Teachers’ Instructional Alignment and Student Learning
A report from the University of Pennsylvania explores how teachers’ instructional alignment is associated with student learning and teacher effectiveness as measured by composite evaluation measures including the value-added model (VAM). It finds weak associations between content alignment and student achievement and no associations with the composite measure of effective teaching.
Report Examines Why Some Students Do Not Graduate on Time
A report from America's Promise gives voice to the 20 percent of American students who do not graduate from high school on time. It finds that participants across the sixteen cities frequently mentioned 25 different factors or events that influenced their decisions about school. Survey respondents confirm the prevalence of traumatic and stressful life events among young people who disengage from school. Most participants had returned to school or re-engagement programs to complete their education.
The Internet of Things Will Thrive by 2025
A report from the Pew Research Center Internet Project an Elon University’s Imagining the Internet Center finds that the Internet of Things will make substantial inroads into many aspects of everyday life in the next decade. Survey respondents expect the Internet of Things to be evident in many places, including bodies, homes, communities, goods and services, and the environment.
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Resources for School Librarians
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Literacy Activities to Prevent "Summer Slide"
Students may need a summer break from academics to learn in other ways, but teachers still can help students interact with books and writing to counteract some of the "summer slide," writes middle-grades teacher Heather Wolpert-Gawron. In this blog post, she suggests six activities for encouraging students to read and write during the summer, such as having them volunteer at the public library as peer mentors or creating a website where students can post reviews of books they've read.
Tips for Using Social Media to Assess Students’ Understanding
Social media can be used to gather real-time feedback on students’ thoughts about academic concepts and their mastery of lessons, Paige Alfonzo, a reference librarian, writes in this blog post. She shares examples of how teachers can use social media for formative assessments. For example, an elementary-school teacher could ask students to share the most confusing part of photosynthesis in a Tweet, she writes.
10 Technologies to Help Implement Project-based Learning
This article highlights 10 technology tools that can help educators implement project-based learning in the classroom. Tools include mobile devices that allow students to create and access information, tools for collaboration and course-management tools. Tools that offer instant feedback, such as behavioral-management application ClassDojo, also made the list.
Discussion Model to Help Reach All Students
In this blog post, K-12 reading coordinator Katie Novak highlights the Paideia Seminar discussion method. She suggests it can help students of all abilities participate in class discussions. "Simply put, the Paideia Seminar is a protocol for facilitating a discussion about complex text while also scaffolding important social skills that students need to be successful in college or their chosen careers," she writes
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ASCD Releases Data Reports for Student Success in All 50 States
 ASCD released Whole Child Snapshots for all 50 states, highlighting how well each state is meeting the comprehensive needs of its children. The snapshots are data reports featuring indicators to measure success in each of the Whole Child tenet areas -- healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged -- and provide action steps for communities to help students become college, career, and citizenship ready. The snapshots also introduce national data highlights, including bullying and cyberbullying data and the national student-to-counselor ratio.
COSLA Awarded Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Award for Continuing Education (CE) Connector Project
The Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA) recently received a grant award from the Institute of Museum and Library Services for the Continuing Education (CE) Connector Project. This project has two goals: greater shared development and delivery of CE programs across state libraries as well as collective state library engagement in national efforts to coordinate CE initiatives among national organizations. COSLA received a grant award from IMLS totaling $193,660, along with $42,540 in cost-share contributions from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, to support this fifteen month project.
Universal HIgh-Speed Internet in Schools Could Cost $3.2 Billion
The Consortium for School Networking and the EducationSuperHighway estimate it could cost $3.2 billion to meet President Barack Obama's goal of connecting nearly all students to high-speed Internet by 2018, according to a recent report. The analysis includes details on the cost to purchase, install, and maintain equipment, such as wireless access points, wired drops, switches, ports, firewall and fiber cables.
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LLCF Grants for Libraries
The Lois Lenski Covey Foundation, Inc. annually awards grants to libraries and other institutions that operate a library for purchasing books published for young people preschool through grade 8. Maximum award: $3,000. Eligibility: school libraries, non-traditional libraries operated by charitable [501(c)(3)] and other non-taxable agencies, and bookmobile programs. Deadline: June 16, 2014.
MetLife/NASSP Breakthrough Schools
The National Association of Secondary School Principals and the MetLife Foundation are calling for entries in the search for the nation’s top Breakthrough Schools. Applicants should be high-achieving middle or high schools, or schools that are making dramatic improvements in student achievement, whose best practices and outstanding results can inform other schools as they further their own improvement efforts. Maximum award: $5,000 recognition in the association’s monthly magazine, Principal Leadership. Eligibility: high-achieving middle and high schools with 40 percent or more students eligible for free and reduced priced meals. Deadline: June 30, 2014.
NSTA New Science Teacher Academy
 The NSTA New Science Teacher Academy Foundation is a professional development initiative created to promote quality science teaching, enhance teacher confidence and classroom excellence, and improve teacher content knowledge. Maximum award includes program expenses. Middle or high school science teachers entering their second or third year of teaching, working a schedule with 51 percent of their classes in science are eligible. Deadline is July 1, 2014.
ASIS&T/Thomson Reuters Outstanding Information Science Teacher Award
The Thomson Reuters Outstanding Information Science Teacher Award recognizes the unique teaching contribution of an individual as a teacher of information science. Maximum award: $1,000; $500 towards travel or other expenses to the grant recipient, contingent upon the recipient’s attending the ASIS&T annual meeting. Eligibility: individuals directly engaged in teaching some aspect of information science on a continuing basis, in an academic or a non-academic setting; nominees need not be associated with an educational institution; however, teaching information science must represent a significant work responsibility although it need not occur within the traditional classroom. Deadline: August 1, 2014.
AASA National Superintendent of the Year
 The American Association of School Administrators National Superintendent of the Year Program pays tribute to the talent and vision of the men and women who lead the nation’s public schools. Maximum award: recognition; a $10,000 scholarship to a student in the high school from which the National Superintendent of the Year graduated. Eligibility: Any superintendent, chancellor, or top leader of a school system in the United States, Canada, or international school who plans to continue in the profession. Deadline: August 1, 2014.
Open Meadows Foundation Grants for Women and Girls
The Open Meadows Foundation is a grant-making organization for projects that are led by and benefit women and girls. It funds projects that reflect the diversity of the community served by the project in both its leadership and organization; that build community power; that promote racial, social, economic, and environmental justice; and that have limited financial access or have encountered obstacles in their search for funding. Maximum award: $2,000. Eligibility: 501(c)3 organizations with an organizational budget no larger than $150,000. Projects must be designed and implemented by women and girls. Deadline: August 15, 2014.
Siemens/The College Board Siemens Awards for Advanced Placement
Siemens Awards for Advanced Placement fosters intensive research that improves students’ understanding of the value of scientific study and informs their consideration of future careers in these disciplines. Maximum award: $100,000 college scholarship. Eligibility: students must be enrolled in high school (grades 9-12) during the 2013-14 school year, individually or as a team. Deadline: September 30, 2014.
Farmers Insurance Thank a Million Teachers
 Farmers Insurance wants to thank teachers all across the country and have a genuinely positive impact on the lives of teachers and their students. Every educator that has been thanked on ThankAMillionTeachers.com is eligible to apply for a grant. The winners must use the money to purchase school supplies through AdoptAClassroom.org or have the funds applied toward a professional certification through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Maximum award: a $2,500 grant. Eligibility: current K through 12 teachers in the United States who have submitted a qualified proposal on www.thankamillionteachers.com. Deadline: October 31, 2014.
State Farm Foundation Grants
State Farm is committed to meeting the needs of our communities by focusing our giving in three areas: Safe Neighbors (safety), Strong Neighborhoods (community development), and Education Excellence (education). Maximum award: varies. Eligibility: nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c)3 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code; Canadian charitable organizations, educational institutions, and governmental entities. Deadline: October 31, 2014.
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