|
|
|
|
Action Research and Autism Explored in New SLR Articles
 Two new articles covering the topics of action research in school libraries and introducing information literacy to students with autism are now available in AASL’s peer-reviewed online journal, School Library Research (SLR). In “Action Research Empowers School Librarians,” Jennifer Robins describes her research designed to determine whether the school librarians viewed action research as being feasible, valuable and empowering. Patricia Markey, school librarian at Lower Merion School District, and Michel Miller, assistant professor at Drexel University, investigated the effectiveness of video peer modeling and least-to-most prompting intervention when delivering an information-literacy skill to students with Autism Spectrum Disorder in their article, “Introducing an Information-Seeking Skill in a School Library to Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Using Video Modeling and Least-to-Most Prompts.”
|
|
Donald Adcock Awarded 2015 ISLMA Lifetime Membership Award
 The Illinois School Library Media Association (ISLMA) presented Donald C. Adcock with the 2015 Illinois School Library Media Association Lifetime Membership Award. The Lifetime Membership Award honors an individual for faithful, exceptional service to the association and to school librarianship. The previous month Adcock was inducted as an Illinois Library Luminary. A tireless advocate for school libraries and librarians for over fifty years, Adcock spent twenty-five years as director of Library Services in Glen Ellyn Public School District. After leaving the Glen Ellyn schools he joined the staff of AASL as Coordinator for Program Support. He later became the interim director of AASL. After leaving AASL he became a university supervisor for the school library program at Dominican University before becoming the interim Director of the School Library Program at Dominican.
Meg Finney Selected as AASL Emerging Leader
 Meg Finney has been selected as one of two AASL-sponsored participants in the American Library Association’s (ALA) 2016 Emerging Leaders program. Finney will join more than 50 of her peers as the program kicks off at the 2016 ALA Midwinter Meeting in Boston. Finney, of Vineland, New Jersey, will participate in project planning workgroups; network with peers; gain an inside look into ALA; and have an opportunity to serve the profession in a leadership capacity early in her career. In sponsoring participants, AASL will defray the cost of attending the 2016 ALA Midwinter Meeting and the 2016 ALA Annual Conference.
Hattie Garrow Selected as AASL Emerging Leader
 Hattie Garrow has been selected as one of two AASL-sponsored participants in the American Library Association’s (ALA) 2016 Emerging Leaders program. Garrow will join more than 50 of her peers as the program kicks off at the 2016 ALA Midwinter Meeting in Boston. Garrow of Suffolk, Va., will participate in project planning workgroups; network with peers; gain an inside look into ALA; and have an opportunity to serve the profession in a leadership capacity early in her career. In sponsoring participants, AASL will defray the cost of attending the 2016 ALA Midwinter Meeting and the 2016 ALA Annual Conference.
|
|
Libraries Win as President Signs ESSA
 A major reauthorization bill overhauling K-12 education policy—the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)—has been signed into law by President Obama and in a significant victory for ALA’s decade of advocacy efforts, it includes provisions favorable to libraries. ALA President Sari Feldman praised all ALA members, crediting their unified, collective, high-impact messages to their members of Congress for the favorable provisions for school libraries specifically included in the reauthorization legislation. AASL President Leslie Preddy said, “For school-age students, ESSA represents an historic new chapter in federal support of education, one that will ensure effective school library programs are there to help them learn how to use new technology tools, develop critical thinking, and the reading and research skills essential to achievement in science, math and all other ‘STEM’ fields.”
Study Finds Holes in Language and Literacy App Market
 A study from the Joan Ganz Cooney Center, titled “Getting a Read on the App Stores: A Market Scan and Analysis of Literacy Apps,” is reading between the lines when it comes to children’s literacy apps, which are found to be chock full of disparities in educational value as well as roadblocks to being discovered. The study shows that fewer than a third (29%) of the apps included a mention of their underlying educational curriculum, while less than half of the apps provided information about their development teams.
Sara Sayigh Reinstated at Chicago Public School Library
 Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has reinstated librarian Sara Sayigh due to an anonymous donation. Sayigh, a 13-year veteran in the school system, is the sole librarian at the former DuSable High School building, which now houses two majority African-American public schools and a charter school. She tells American Libraries that she is one of the few remaining librarians at a majority African-American high school in the city. Students of the three schools organized a “read-in” after it was learned that her position would be eliminated. The coordinated effort gained national attention after it was reported in the Chicago Sun-Times newspaper and later the Washington Post. Tech-savvy students also turned to social media sites like Facebook and Twitter to spread the word about Sayigh’s termination, she said. The hashtag #saveourlibrary became the online rally cry for her reinstatement. Parents also got involved, launching an online petition through Change.org.
Ranking States in Development of Young Readers
 A new report from New America’s Education Policy Program finds that some states are tackling pieces necessary for early literacy, but they must fit them together. The report measures states on a broad set of policy indicators that can help ensure children are on track to read on grade level by the end of third grade. “In order to significantly improve children’s literacy development as well as learning and development in other areas such as early math, science, and social-emotional domains, federal, state, and local education agencies need to take a comprehensive, coordinated, and connected birth-through-third grade approach.”
Students Read More Nonfiction under Common Core
Students are reading more nonfiction texts under the Common Core State Standards, according to the 2016 "What Kids Are Reading" report, which examined the reading practices of 9.8 million students in the US in the 2014-15 school year. Findings, however, show that students are reading on average about 15 minutes per day, and the materials are not complex enough to prepare them for college-level work.
Who Should Make Ed-Tech Decisions?
Education leaders--not teachers--most often make education-technology decisions, according to almost half of the 4,300 teachers surveyed by education marketplace TES Global. However, 63% of teachers said they would like to have more control over ed-tech decision-making. Forty-eight percent of respondents said they believe cost is the primary influence on ed tech selection—much more so than student outcomes (22 percent) or teacher buy-in (9 percent).
31 States Have Reduced Education Funding over Past 8 Years
In some states, education funding has not bounced back from the Great Recession, and at least 31 states are providing less funding than they did before the economic downturn, according to a recent report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Twelve states also adopted new cuts this year.
78% of Students Use Facebook, but Only 65% Say It’s Cool
Seventy-eight percent of US teens use Facebook, but only 65% say the social media platform is cool, Forrester Research found. The report said 78% and 79% of teen users ranked Instagram and Snapchat above Facebook in terms of being cool. "Sure, young people don't think Facebook is cool but that doesn't mean they've stopped using it," the report said.
10 State Legislatures to Take up Debt-Free College Measures
Legislation to create some form of debt-free college program is being introduced in at least 10 states during the coming legislative year. The Progressive Change Campaign Committee is spearheading the effort in such states as Iowa, New Hampshire and Massachusetts, saying such programs will make colleges more accessible.
Google Chromebooks Become Most-Used Device in U.S. Classrooms
Google Chromebooks make up more than half of all US classroom devices -- a dramatic increase from the less than 1% of the market it claimed in 2012, according to a recent report from Futuresource Consulting. The rise of the Chromebook has resulted in diminishing use of rival devices from Apple and Microsoft.
U.S. Schools Give Fewer Tests Than Most Nations
Despite reports that students in the US are overtested, an analysis of data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development shows US schools administer fewer standardized tests than most other nations. Data show about 2% of US students take such tests on a monthly basis, compared with the OECD average of 8%. Netherlands, Belgium and Asian countries—all high-performing education systems—administer a lot more.
64% of Districts Invest in More Resources for Digital Learning
A majority of school districts have invested in additional resources, including hiring more staff, to support digital-learning initiatives, according to a survey by Learning Counsel. Data show 16% of the districts surveyed meet monthly to manage their digital curriculum. Four of the five major challenges faced by schools as they promote the adoption of digital curriculum were related to training.
|
|
Resources for School Librarians
|
|
Tips to Take Coding to the Next Level
Tools used to teach coding should approach the concept as a type of literacy students can use to organize and express their ideas, says early-childhood and coding expert Mitchel Resnick. He highlights such tools, including an updated version of ScratchJr, which features characters from PBS Kids. "Coding is not just a set of technical skills," he says. "It's a new way of expressing yourself."
U.S. Releases National Education Technology Plan
 Last month the US Department of Education released the latest version of its National Education Technology Plan. This article outlines six recommendations in the plan that aim to boost technology access and close achievement gaps, including redesigned teacher training programs and equitable access to connectivity, inside and outside of schools.
How to Select the Right Devices for Students
A mix of platforms is the best device environment for schools, and all students should have access to full-featured computers, ed-tech expert Kathy Schrock writes in this commentary. She offers tips to help educators select the right devices for students in all grade levels.
Report Offers Guidance for Using UDL in Online Courses
Using Universal Design for Learning principles in online courses benefits all learners by improving the accessibility and retention of material, according to a report by Montana State University professors. The report offers 10 steps for applying UDL in online college courses.
Tips for Giving Effective Praise
Praise can be a powerful tool in the classroom, writes author and expert Barbara Blackburn. In this article, she shares six characteristics of effective praise, such as that it sets high expectations and promotes independence, and she cautions that sarcasm undermines praise.
How to Use Four Corners Strategy in Classroom Discussions
This blog post highlights resources and examples of using the "Four Corners" strategy for class discussions. Useful by any teacher for any class according to this blog post, the approach includes having students read a text, split into opinion-based groups to work together to support their position for a class discussion. To deepen the lesson, students can take a historical figure's position or that of a different demographic.
What Students Can Learn through Integrated STEM Literacy
 Analyzing and using visual- and text-based information are essential skills for students learning science, technology, engineering and math, writes Roger Essley, an illustrator and author. He describes the need for integrated STEM literacy and highlights examples of how to use storyboards and illustrations to help students develop their skills.
4 Ways to Use Voxer in Schools
Some teachers and school leaders are using Voxer -- an application that allows users to send and receive voice, photo and text messages, to stay connected, educator Brian Sztabnik writes in this blog post. He highlights four ways this walkie-talkie app is improving school communication.
Having Students Analyze What’s Left out of the Media
Having students consider what is left out of mass media materials helps them think critically about those messages, media literacy expert Frank Baker writes. He offers examples of ways to engage students by getting them to consider inclusiveness in media and what is removed in the production process.
|
|
Partnership and Collaborator News
|
|
ASCD Launches New Online Professional Learning Platform
 ASCD recently launched ASCD myTeachSource, a brand new online professional learning platform organized around classroom-focused topics. The platform is designed to help teachers find quick solutions to issues that interest them. It is accessible from computers or mobile devices, and enables personalized professional learning.
NCLE Report Brief Examines Standards-Linked Assessments in Literacy Improvement
A report brief from NCLE examines the role of standards-linked assessments in literacy improvement and offers recommendations about how schools and districts can create a positive climate around the role of assessments in the learning process. The findings establish strong connections among three factors:
- Capacity-building approaches to change, such as investing in teacher learning, promoting powerful collaborative practices, and building teacher ownership.
- Strong standards implementation.
- A positive, constructive assessment climate
What Does “Future Ready” Leadership Look Like?
More than 2,000 superintendents have signed the Future Ready District Pledge, an initiative of the US Department of Education and the Alliance for Excellent Education. Education writer Rusul Alrubail and the Alliance's digital learning director, Thomas Murray, highlight five issues to help administrators and teachers become "future ready" leaders.
Expect Surge of Mobile Devices in Schools
 The use of mobile devices in the classroom will grow beyond one-to-one in the years ahead, according to a survey by the Consortium for School Networking. The survey shows students could begin using two or three mobile devices in the classroom, a change some experts say will increase the need to improve bandwidth.
Gene Luen Yang Named 5th National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, 2016-2017
 The Children's Book Council, Every Child a Reader, and the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress have announced the appointment of Gene Luen Yang, Printz Award winner and two-time National Book Award finalist, as the 5th National Ambassador for Young People's Literature! Yang will travel nationwide over the course of his two-year term speaking to kids, teens, and their caregivers about his platform, "Reading Without Walls," focusing on breaking down barriers to reading, championing diversity in all forms, and engaging non-readers.
|
|
LRNG Innovators Challenge Grant
The LRNG Innovators Challenge supports youth advocates who work together to develop new practices, arrangements, curricula, and/or projects that have, at their core, principles of Connected Learning—interest-driven, production-centered, peer-supported work by young people. Applicants will receive $20,000 to implement a project that proposes an innovative idea that connects in-school and out-of-school learning and creates opportunities for young people to follow their interests. Successful applicants must assemble a team comprising of representatives from both in school and out of school. The deadline to apply is Jan. 13.
2015 Congressional App Challenge
 The Congressional App Challenge is a competition aimed at encouraging U.S. high school students to learn how to code by creating their own applications. The Challenge is intended to highlight the value of computer science and STEM education and encourage students to engage in these fields. During the Congressional App Challenge submission period, students in participating districts can create and submit their original apps for the chance to be recognized by their member of Congress. The Congressional App Challenge will run through January 15, 2016.
The Big Read Grant Program
 The Big Read is now accepting applications for its 2016–2017 grant program. The Big Read, founded in 2006 by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and managed by Arts Midwest, supports and funds community reading programs that focus on a single book or poet. It will award 75 organizations grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. Grantees can choose from novels offered in the Big Read library. Along with the grant, the organizations receive online training, digital guides and promotional materials to bolster community involvement. Entries are due January 27, 2016. The Big Read also encourages libraries to host creative events, such as art exhibits, theatrical readings, cook-offs, and festivals.
2016 PBS LearningMedia Digital Innovators Program
 Educators from across the country who excel at using technology and digital media to support student learning are encouraged to enter the 2016 PBS LearningMedia Digital Innovators Program. Educators are asked to submit a 60- to 120-second video to showcase their innovative use of digital technology and tools in their classroom to inspire students. Entrants will also be asked to complete a profile and answer two essay questions. The PBS LearningMedia Digital Innovators’ online application is available at pbslearningmedia.org/digitalinnovators. The call for entries will remain open through February 8, 2016.
Museum of Chinese in America National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Institute
This summer the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) is hosting its very first National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Institute, "The Chinese Exclusion Act and Immigration in America.” The two-week Institute will provide K-12 teachers with the opportunity to learn from leading scholars in the field and work with primary materials and artifacts examining the impact of exclusion in the United States. Teachers will explore new perspectives on the history of immigration, citizenship, questions such as: What does it mean to be American? What does it mean to be excluded from the United States? And what does it mean to a nation’s self-image when it profiles for differences in appearance? Teachers will also get a $2,100 stipend for their participation during the Institute dates – July 10-22, 2016. Applications are due March 1, 2016.
Ezra Jack Keats Foundation Grants
The Ezra Jack Keats Foundation, which fosters children’s love of reading and creative expression, celebrates the 28th year of its Mini-Grant program—and Keats’s 100th birthday—with a call for proposals that reflect the work and vision of the program’s namesake. Approximately 60 grants of up to $500 each will be awarded to qualifying teachers and librarians at public schools and libraries across the country. The deadline for submissions is March 31, 2016.
Department of State-Sponsored Study Abroad Programs
Applications are now being accepted for the Department of State sponsored study abroad programs for U.S. high school students for 2016-17:
- National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y)
- Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Abroad (YES Abroad)
- Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) with Germany
These merit-based scholarships include international airfare, tuition, and program costs, as well as meals and living accommodations (often with a host family). The programs have no language prerequisites and gap year students are encouraged to apply as long as they meet the age requirements. Each program has a separate online application process, and application deadlines vary from late October through early January. Visit the program websites or www.exchanges.state.gov for specific information and application deadlines.
GreenPal Small Business Scholarship
Greenpal Lawncare is accepting applications for the annual GreenPal Small Business Scholarship to assist a motivated, driven student and future business leader. The program is open to any graduating high school senior, college freshman, or sophomore who owns and operates his/her own small business or has put together a business plan to start a business while in college. In addition, applicants must be in a graduating high school's senior class in 2015 or be currently enrolled in a college of business with a 3.0 or higher GPA; demonstrate high ambition and desire to be an entrepreneur or business owner; and have a declared major in a college of business.
Microsoft DigiGirlz High Tech Camp
Microsoft DigiGirlz High Tech Camp for girls works to dispel stereotypes of the high-tech industry. During the camp session, the girls listen to executive speakers, participate in technology tours and demonstrations, network, and learn through hands-on experience in workshops. This year camps will take place at various dates throughout the summer in Stonybrook, NY; Charlotte, NC; Fargo, ND; Redmond, WA; Las Colinas, TX; and St. Louis, MO. Maximum award: free attendance to camp. Eligibility: girls grades 9-11 in the 2015-2016 school year, and at least age 13 at time of application, with some location exceptions. Deadline: varies by location.
Fund for Teachers Grants
The Fund for Teachers provides funds for direct grants to teachers to support summer learning opportunities of their own design. Maximum award: $5,000. Eligibility: teachers who work with students in grades pre-kindergarten through 12, with a minimum of three years teaching experience, full-time, spending at least 50 percent of the time in the classroom at the time grants are approved and made. Deadline: varies by state.
Grants to Increase Access to Healthy Foods from the No Kid Hungry Foundation
 Providing students access to healthy and nutritious meals is the focus of No Kid Hungry Foundation grants. Currently, the foundation supports projects that increase access to summer meal programs, school breakfast and after-school snacks and meals. Plus, advocacy efforts, including anti-hunger issues and needs and educating families about SNAP and the Women, Infants, and Children programs. Interested schools can submit letters of inquiry year-round. Prize: Average grants range from $5,000 to $10,000. Deadline: Rolling.
The Awesome Foundation Grants for Projects
The Awesome Foundation funds projects that challenge and expand our understanding of our individual and communal potentials, bringing communities together, casting aside social inhibitions and boundaries for a moment. Maximum award: $1,000. Eligibility: all people and organizations; there are no prerequisites. Deadline: rolling.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
