[CASL-L] Fw: AASL Hotlinks April 2012

[IRENE KWIDZINSKI]

FYI


----- Forwarded Message ----
From: American Association of School Librarians <aasl at ala.org>
To: Irene <kwidz at sbcglobal.net>
Sent: Mon, April 2, 2012 6:26:36 PM
Subject: AASL Hotlinks April 2012

AASL Hotlinks April 2012  
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Volume 11, Issue 1
April 2012
 

In this Issue: 
 Association News
Education News
Resources for School Librarians
Grants & Awards
Professional Development
Partnership News
Member Spotlight

________________________________
 

Association News
________________________________
 
AASL Invites You to Celebrate School Library Month!
AASL invites all to celebrate School Library Month (SLM) during the month of 
April. The 2012 theme, You Belong @ Your Library, will highlight the role strong 
school libraries play in a student’s educational career. Select activities and 
resources for the month include:

	* Announcement of winners of the "You Belong @ Your School Library" Student 
Video Contest.
	* Interview podcast with Lucille Thomas, chair of the inaugural SLM committee 
which planned and launched the first national SLM celebration in April of 1985.
	* Resources to help school librarians celebrate. The SLM website plays host to 
many different resources school librarians can use to invite stakeholders into 
the library and celebrate their programs during the month of April.  Coming 
soon, School Library Month chair and Past President of AASL, Cassandra Barnett, 
will present a webinar on navigating the AASL website and using these SLM 
resources.
During School Library Month, school librarians are encouraged to create 
activities to help their school and local community celebrate and should visit 
the SLM Web pages regularly to find continuously updated resources and 
information. School librarians are also encouraged to take part in AASL’s social 
communities on Facebook, Twitter, and ALA Connect, where library professionals 
will be sharing information about the activities happening in their school 
library programs.


AASL Presents Complimentary Knowledge Quest Webinar on Coteaching
AASL will offer a webinar on "Coteaching," Tuesday, April 10 at 7 p.m. CDT for 
AASL members. Join Judi Moreillon and Susan Ballard as they discuss the exciting 
ways in which school librarians and teachers can work together, and what effect 
teaching collaboration has on school library programs and students. This webinar 
is part of a series that explores topics related to the editorial themes of 
Knowledge Quest. Webinars are open and complimentary for all personal AASL 
members. More information and how to register can be found at the Knowledge 
Quest Webinar page.

Vote in the 2012 ALA/AASL Election!
Representation is essential for school library concerns and issues to be 
addressed. AASL has more than 8,000 possible votes to cast and the potential to 
be heard. Raise your voice in ALA and vote this month. Polls are now open and 
votes must be received by April 27. Visit the ALA Website for more information 
on the 2012 ALA Election. Visit the AASL Website for 2012 AASL Election 
information.

AASL Seeks Proposals for ALA 2013 Annual Conference Programs
AASL invites proposals for programs to be presented during the American Library 
Association (ALA) 2013 Annual Conference. The conference will be held June 27- 
July 2 in Chicago. The submission deadline is 5:00 pm CDT on Friday, June 1, 
2012. AASL seeks proposals for 90 90-minute concurrent sessions and half- or 
full-day preconference workshops. All programs should include up to three 
learning objectives and should address how the session supports the AASL 
Strategic Plan, the AASL Standards for the 21st-Century Learner, and/or 
Empowering Learners: Guidelines for School Library Programs. The AASL Annual 
Conference committee will evaluate proposals for clarity, originality, and 
timeliness. Submissions will only be accepted via the online form. Submitters 
will be notified as to the proposal's status on or before Friday, July 13, 2012.

Library of Congress Invites AASL Members to Participate
in Bibliographic Data and Cataloging Survey
You are invited and encouraged to participate in a survey studying the value and 
use of Library of Congress’ bibliographic data and cataloging products. The 
Library will use survey results as part of a strategic study to guide its 
response to this changing environment, supporting the Library in its goal to 
effectively define its future role, adapt a sustainable financial model, and 
better serve its mission in the years ahead. This survey is directed at managers 
of cataloging and technical services units, catalogers, and vendors and 
distributors of bibliographic data and tools. Log in to the survey as user: 
catalog. The password is survey. The survey will close at Midnight Pacific Time, 
Thursday April 12.

AASL Seeks Researcher for Survey Analysis
AASL is seeking a researcher or team of researchers to assist in a data analysis 
of its national longitudinal survey of school library programs, School Libraries 
Count! The data to be analyzed runs from the survey’s inception in 2007 through 
2011. The researcher, or research team selected, will be expected to create a 
statistical analysis using five years of raw survey data from School Libraries 
Count! and create a report to be published and distributed by AASL. While AASL 
will share the entire report with AASL members, the researcher or research team 
will work with AASL to submit selected results in peer-reviewed journals outside 
of the school library profession. Additionally, the researcher or research team 
will collaborate with AASL to submit programs related to the findings to venues 
both inside and outside the profession.

Those interested should submit a cover letter describing their qualifications, 
resume and a proposal detailing how the required tasks will be completed to the 
AASL office no later than May 25. Visit AASL’s Request for Proposals page to 
submit a proposal and for contact information. Finalists will be interviewed by 
phone or in-person during the ALA 2012 Annual Conference taking place June 20-26 
in Anaheim, Calif.

Best-Selling Author Carmen Agra Deedy to Speak at AASL Awards Luncheon
New York Times best-selling author Carmen Agra Deedy will speak during the 
annual Awards Luncheon for AASL.  The luncheon will be held Monday, June 25, 
during the ALA 2012 Annual Conference in Anaheim, Calif. Deedy’s children's 
books have won numerous awards, including the Jane Addams Peace Association Book 
Award, the International Latino Book Award and the Best Children's Books of the 
Year from the Bank Street College of Education. She served as the 2008 
spokesperson for AASL's School Library Month and has shared her stories with 
hundreds of thousands of school children.

The AASL Awards Luncheon highlights the best of the best in the school library 
field and gives members a chance to celebrate the accomplishments of their 
colleagues. Luncheon tickets are $55 and must be purchased in advance. Deedy’s 
appearance at the awards luncheon is sponsored by Peachtree Publishers. To 
register for the luncheon, and for more information about this and other AASL 
events at the 2012 ALA Annual Conference, visit the conference website.

AASL's eAcademy Offers Additional Online Courses
Register now for one or more of AASL’s e-Academy courses scheduled through the 
end of summer. The four-week self-paced courses are designed to give 
participants 12 hours of learning led by experts in the school library field. 
The upcoming courses include:

	* Jul. 9 – Aug.  3 Design for Understanding Meets the 21st Century School 
Librarian
	* Jul. 16 – Aug. 10 From 0 to 60: Implement eBooks in Your Library Program in 4 
Weeks
	* Jul. 16 – Aug. 10 Making a Place, Making a Case for Read-Alouds: A Powerful 
Teaching Tool for Literacy
AASL e-Academy courses are led in Moodle, a Web-based online learning system 
that students access from their browser. Each course is designed with the busy 
school librarian in mind - participants can complete coursework at a time that 
is most convenient for them. Detailed descriptions of each course and 
registration information are available on the AASL e-Academy pages.

Author Henry Jenkins Anchors AASL Fall Forum
AASL is proud to welcome renowned author and media studies scholar Henry Jenkins 
as keynote speaker and primary facilitator of the 2012 Fall Forum. Author and 
editor of more than a dozen books on media and popular culture, Jenkins will 
present his ideas and research Oct. 12-13, during "Transliteracy and the School 
Library Program" in Greenville, S.C.  During the two-day institute, Jenkins will 
share his extensive expertise on participatory culture and help attendees 
identify the transliteracy skills students require to successfully navigate the 
new information landscape. More information on AASL 2012 Fall Forum on 
Transliteracy and the School Library Program can be found at the AASL Fall Forum 
website.

Speak Outfor Libraries on ALA's Virtual Library Legislative Day
ALA's Virtual Library Legislative Day takes place on April 24, as part of 
National Library Legislative Day (NLLD). Hundreds of library advocates will 
visit Capitol Hill that day to meet with members of Congress and their staffs. 
Talking points and links to contact information for members of Congress are 
available at the Virtual Library Legislative Day Website. In addition, the 
website features bookmarks and posters for library advocates to print, email or 
post on their websites to help spread the word in their communities. More 
information about National Library Legislative Day, including a list of events 
for those who plan to participate in Washington, D.C., can be found online at 
the NLLD Website. Library advocates who cannot make it to Capitol Hill can still 
be part of the effort by calling or emailing their elected officials on April 
24, or any time during the week of April 23-27.

Register for AASL Preconferences at the 2012 ALA Annual Conference
Registration for the June 21-26, 2012 ALA Annual Conference and AASL 
preconferences is now open! This year’s conference in Anaheim, CA will bring 
together more than 25,000 librarians, educators, authors, publishers, literacy 
experts, illustrators and the leading suppliers to the market. As part of this 
annual event, AASL will offer three exciting preconferences onFriday, June 22:

• The One Day Library Website
8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Andy Austin, Christopher Harris, and Brian Mayer present a make-and-take 
workshop with a fully functional library web portal ready to install on your 
organization's server. Using Drupal, an open source content management system, 
the presenters will lead participants through all the steps needed to build and 
maintain a website.

• Libraries in the Cloud
8:30 am to Noon
Doug Johnson will host this preconference on how libraries can benefit by moving 
to the cloud and what role librarians can play when staff and student 
applications become hosted. The session discusses the implication of hosted 
computer applications and resources on school library programs and the role of 
the school librarian.

• Leading Professional Development that Matters…and Works
12:30 pm to 4:00 pm
Debbie Abilock, Kristin Fontichiaro, and Violet H. Harada will discuss several 
professional development models for cultivating leadership in school librarians, 
and explore how schools can be improved from the inside out.

Ticket price information for these AASL preconferences can be found at the ALA 
Annual Conference Website. For more information on AASL preconferences and 
sessions at the 2012 ALA annual Conference visit the AASL @ ALA Annual 
Conference website.

Sign Up to Receive the AASL Advocacy Tip of the Day
Looking for activities that foster collaboration, bring patrons and partners 
into your library, elevate visibility of your program in your school community, 
or save you time or money to devote to strategic initiatives? Then sign up to 
receive AASL’s Advocacy Tip of the Day. Populated by submissions from AASL 
members and the professional community, the Tip of the Day contains valuable 
ideas to help librarians and their programs remain relevant and innovative. 
School Librarians may receive the AASL Advocacy Tip of the Day via email or 
text. Recipients can set preferences to receive advocacy tips daily, Monday 
through Friday, weekly or once a month. If you have tips to share then please 
also consider submitting them to us!

Knowledge Quest Poll Offers Unique Member Feedback
Have you ever wondered what your peers think about school library issues? The 
bi-monthly Knowledge Quest poll offers you some answers! A new poll is posted 
each time an issue of Knowledge Quest is released. The question for each poll is 
based on the theme of the upcoming issue. Results from previous polls, featuring 
response percentages and participant comments, are available at the poll 
website. Participate in our latest poll, "How do you show care for students in 
your school library?" today!


 
 
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Education News
________________________________
 
MetLife Survey Reveals Increased Dissatisfaction with Education Jobs
The 28th Annual MetLife Survey of the American Teacher reports the past two 
years have seen a 15 point decline in educator satisfaction with their 
profession, the lowest level in the survey for over two decades. This decline is 
coupled with large increases in teachers who say they are likely to leave 
teaching, and in those who feel job insecurity. The study found that educators 
satisfied with their jobs likely have adequate opportunities for professional 
development, time to collaborate with other teachers, more preparation and 
supports to engage parents effectively, and more coming together of parents and 
schools to improve learning and success of students. According to the study, 
three-quarters of educators have faced budget cuts in their schools in the last 
year, and two-thirds of respondents reported layoffs of teachers, 
parent/community liaisons, or other staff, as well as a reduction in school 
budgets, programs, and services.

New AP Courses to Emphasize Critical Thinking and Research
An AP/Cambridge Interdisciplinary Investigations and Critical Reasoning Seminar, 
developed in collaboration with Cambridge International Examinations, will be 
tested over three years in 15 to 18 high schools starting this fall. The new 
program, recently announced by the College Board, will have students work in 
teams to research and write topics of global relevance. Each school can choose 
its own topic and pair different disciplines, such as history and English. 
Students will write a 4,500 to 5,000-word paper that will be evaluated on the 
students' ability to design, plan, and manage a research project, analyze 
information, and communicate their findings. The program will be piloted in a 
diverse mix of public and private schools in urban, suburban, and rural areas. 
For schools to offer these new courses, educators would be required to complete 
a one-week summer institute offered through a university. The course was created 
to better develop the research skills of college-bound students.

Study Finds Core Knowledge Program Boosts Student Reading Comprehension in NYC 
Schools
A study conducted by the Education Department found that second graders in New 
York City who were taught to read using the Core Knowledge program scored 
significantly higher on reading comprehension tests than did those in the 
comparison schools. For three years, a pilot program tracked the reading ability 
of approximately 1,000 students at 20 New York City schools, following them from 
kindergarten through second grade. Half of the schools adopted a curriculum 
designed by the education theorist E. D. Hirsch Jr.’s Core Knowledge Foundation. 
The other 10 used a “balanced literacy,” approach which has been used in NYC 
schools since 2003.

The study found that for each of the three years, students in the Core Knowledge 
program had greater one-year gains on a brief reading test than their peers in 
the comparison schools. The difference was most pronounced in kindergarten, when 
the scores of children following Dr. Hirsch’s method showed increases that were 
five times those of their peers. The scale score is based on the number of 
questions answered correctly, combined with the degree of difficulty of those 
questions. According to the study, the new curriculum could be useful in helping 
achieve new learning targets based on the Common Core Standards that New York 
and most other states have adopted. However, proponents of balanced literacy 
methods have voiced concern over the study, arguing that the study focused on 
too few schools.

More than 150 Communities Commit to Improving Early Literacy
More than 150 cities, towns, and counties have pledged to improve literacy among 
their youngest citizens as part of a national campaign called the Campaign for 
Grade-Level Reading. To be part of the network, communities had to submit 
detailed plans for how they will get children on track to be grade-level readers 
by the end of the 3rd grade, the crucial point at which students shift from 
learning to read to reading to learn. The national campaign is a project of 
several funders and is being headed up by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, which 
invests heavily in efforts to improve early childhood and strengthen families. 
As part of their plans to improve early literacy, each community has proposed 
strategies for addressing three key issues that affect the development of 
children's reading skills: school readiness, school attendance, and summer 
learning time. Visit the campaign for Grade-Level reading website to view the 
participating communities.

Fundraising Efforts by Marsh Middle School Students Renovates Library
In March, Nickelodeon aired a story about students at T.C. Marsh Middle school 
in Dallas who participated in a grassroots fundraising effort to renovate the 
library. In April, students, led by school librarian Mary Virginia Meeks, camped 
out in the library for a six hour read-a-thon, where they read books in exchange 
for pledges. They raised more than $1,700 to help their library. This effort was 
one of four stories, hand-selected by Nickelodeon, about empowered students who 
value their educational opportunities and have stepped in to help keep their 
school programs operating. The link will take you to a video clip and a local 
news story about T.C. Marsh Middle School and the contributions of Mary Virginia 
Meeks.



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 Resources for School Librarians 
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AASL Collaboration Tools Spotlighted in American Teacher Article
The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) features an article, "Tap the School 
Library to Bring a Wider World to Students," in its March/April issue of 
American Teacher. The feature discusses AASL goals for school libraries and 
librarians when collaborating with teachers. A free PDF of the article is 
available at the AFT website. Click on the "Tools for Teachers" tab in the left 
navigation to view the article. For additional collaboration resources 
visitAASL’s website.

Free Earth Day Toolkits For School Librarians
Reading for the Earth is a national effort that promotes reading 
environmentally-themed books during the month of April, in honor of Earth Day 
(April 22). Organized by Earth Day Network and libraries around the country, the 
campaign aims to educate youth about the environment and to inspire them to read 
books more often. To join the effort, students will be asked to visit their 
local library, pick up a book and pledge to read it during the month of April. 
Each book pledged will be counted as an “act of green” in the A Billion acts of 
Green campaign, an international effort to collect one billion acts of 
environmental service. Earth Day Network is also encouraging libraries to 
sponsor Earth Day activities for students in their communities, including book 
readings and video screenings. To help librarians effectively mobilize young 
readers across the nation, Earth Day Network is providing free Reading for the 
Earth toolkits that contain the necessary resources, including posters, 
suggested reading lists, contest templates and activity information for all 
interested librarians.

NetSmartz Offers Online Safety Education Kits for School Librarians
The NetSmartz Online Safety Education Kits are designed to be convenient and 
ready-to-use for teachers, school librarians, counselors, law-enforcement 
officers, and social service providers. Within these Kits, you will find 
resources such as an interactive PowerPoint presentation, a full-size poster, 
safety pledges, tip sheets, lesson plans, and a resource manual. All of these 
age-appropriate materials will help you engage children while teaching them how 
to be safer online. You can request your free copy of the Elementary School 
Online Safety Education Kit by visiting the NetSmartz website.

 
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Grants & Awards
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McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation Offers Academic Enrichment Grants
The McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation offers Academic Enrichment Grants 
designed to develop in-class and extra-curricular programs that improve student 
learning. The foundation considers proposals that foster understanding, deepen 
students' knowledge, and provide opportunities to expand awareness of the world 
around them. The maximum award is $10,000 per year for three years. Educators 
employed by schools or non-profit organizations with the background and 
experience to complete the project successfully and who have direct and regular 
contact with students in grades pre-k to 12 from low-income households, are 
eligible. The deadline is April 15.

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Seeks Applicants for Young Scholars Program
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Young Scholars Program selects high-achieving 
youth in the Unites States with financial need and provides them, throughout 
their high school years, with individualized educational services that enable 
them to develop their talents and abilities. The maximum award is funding and 
support services. Applicants must be in the 7th grade when they apply and able 
to demonstrate financial need. The deadline is April 16.

Discovery Education and 3M Issue Young Scientist Challenge
With the Discovery Education/3M Young Scientist Challenge, students have the 
opportunity to create an engaging one- to two-minute science video that 
identifies and solves an everyday problem related to the way we move, the way we 
keep ourselves healthy, or the way we make a difference. The maximum award is 
$25,000; the title of "America's Top Young Scientist"; a trip from Discovery 
Student Adventures; a contest trophy. All legal U.S. residents who are students 
enrolled in 5th through 8th grade at a public, private, parochial, or home 
school located in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia are eligible. 
The deadline is April 19.

AT&T Offers Grants for Social Innovation
AT&T is accepting applications until April 27 to fund programs working to 
improve high school graduation rates, especially those that use social 
innovation to reach out to underserved populations and those at risk of dropping 
out. Grants between $100,000 and $300,000 will be awarded for a 24-month period 
starting this fall. School districts, campuses, and educational foundations are 
eligible. For more information about the request for proposals, go to the AT&T 
Aspire Local High School Impact Initiative.

Target Offers Early Childhood Reading Grants
Target's Early Childhood Reading Grants promote a love of reading and encourages 
young children to read together with their families by supporting programs such 
as after-school reading events and weekend book clubs. The maximum award is 
$2,000. Schools, libraries, and nonprofit organizations are eligible. The 
deadline is April 30.

Target Offers Arts and Culture in School Grants
Target Arts and Culture in Schools Grants help schools and nonprofits to bring 
arts and cultural experiences directly to K-12 students. These programs must 
have a curriculum component. The maximum award is $2,000. Schools and nonprofit 
organizations are eligible. The deadline is April 30.

Unsung Heroes Awards Recognize Innovative Thinking in Education
The ING Unsung Heroes awards program recognizes innovative and progressive 
thinking in education through monetary awards. The maximum award is $25,000. 
Full-time educators, teachers, principals, paraprofessionals, or classified 
staff members with effective projects that improve student learning at an 
accredited K-12 public or private school, are eligible. The deadline is April 
30.

American Honda Foundation Offers Grants for Education
The American Honda Foundation makes grants to K-12 schools, colleges, 
universities, trade schools, and other youth-focused nonprofit organizations for 
programs that benefit youth and scientific education. The maximum award is 
$60,000. Schools and youth-focused nonprofit organizations are eligible. The 
deadline isMay 1.

Department of Education Issues Startup Challenge
The U.S. Department of Education is offering a National Education Startup 
Challenge. Students are invited to submit a business plan and a video clip 
promotion for a non-profit startup that includes an innovative strategy, 
product, or service designed to address one of four topics.  Do you have 
innovative ideas on how to: (1) help middle school students’ transition to high 
school and graduate; (2) develop skills for success in postsecondary education; 
(3) choose affordable colleges that best suit student needs, consistent with 
their education and career goals; or (4) increase the likelihood students 
complete their college degrees on time or early?  The deadline for submissions 
is May 1.  Winning students will be celebrated by White House and Department 
officials and may qualify for additional recognition opportunities.

Next Generation Learning Challenges Announces Third Wave of Grants
Recognizing the need for a fundamental change in the way education is designed 
and delivered across secondary and postsecondary institutions, Next Generation 
Learning Challenges (NGLC) has announced the availability of $12 million in 
grants for comprehensive whole school and college models that use technology to 
achieve more personalized learning experiences. Funding is being provided by the 
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Initial applications will be accepted on a 
rolling basis until June 8, 2012. Visit the Next Generation website for more 
information.

NAIS Offers Challenge 20/20
The National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) invites schools to 
participate in Challenge 20/20, a program that brings together one school from 
the United States and one school from outside of the United States. 
Teacher-student teams from both schools work together throughout the fall 2012 
school semester to come up with a solution to a global problem. Challenge 20/20 
is based on Jean Francois Rischard's book, High Noon: 20 Global Problems, 20 
Years to Solve Them. All U.S. schools, elementary and secondary, public or 
private, are eligible. The deadline to enter is August 17.



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Professional Development
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IMLS Makes WebWise Conference Highlight Video Available
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has posted the webcast of 
its annual WebWise 2012 Conference. A signature initiative of the Institute of 
Museum and Library Services, the WebWise Conference brings together 
representatives of museums, libraries, archives, systems science, education, and 
other fields to explore the many opportunities made possible by digital 
technologies. WebWise 2012 took up the theme of "Tradition and Innovation," 
investigating how libraries and museums have used digital technologies to help 
scholars, students, educators, and the general public understand history and the 
humanities. This year’s conference took special note of the unique contributions 
that historical societies, public libraries, and other small and local 
organizations make to humanities scholarship and education. Highlights of the 
webcast include:
	* A presentation by StoryCorps founder Dave Isay
	* A talk by Ian MacKaye, founder of Dischord Records, about his DIY archive, 
the Fugazi Live Series
	* A keynote address by John Palfrey, Chair of the Digital Public Library of 
America Steering Committee, about the goals of the DPLA and the first steps 
toward the realizing a large-scale digital public library that will make the 
cultural and scientific record available to all
	* Preconference sessions on the use of museum and library collections in 
developing online gaming and on engaging 21st century learners
	* Panel discussions on mobile technology as a means of engaging people in 
history, crowd sourcing in public history work, data visualizations in the 
cultural heritage field, creating and preserving oral history collections, 
multi-institutional solutions to digital challenges.
Unconference for School Librarians Focuses on Serving Incarcerated and Detained 
Youth
There will be a gathering for school librarians to meet and discuss school 
library services for incarcerated youth on April 27 at Passages Academy in the 
Bronx, New York. The goal of the Unconference is to build a culture of literacy 
at schools in a variety of ways, including talking more about what school 
librarians are reading and teaching, and how students respond to these 
materials. The Unconference will also highlight best practices and hot topics in 
the school library. This one-day event is free and open to all practitioners in 
the field. Registration is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis. All 
registrants will receive detailed directions. Those interested may register at 
the Unconference website. You can also visit theBlogspot for more about the 
event.

 
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Partnership News
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ACSD Announces Call for Whole Child Network Applications
ASCD has announced a call for applications for its Whole Child Network (WCN) of 
schools. The Whole Child Network will comprise between 10 and 15 schools from 
across the United States and Canada. Each member school will receive a $10,000 
grant for the 2012-13 school year, with the opportunity for renewal in the 
subsequent two school years, as well as customized support in implementing a 
whole child approach to education. Participating schools will also receive an 
ASCD Institutional membership, and up to five team members from each site will 
receive a trip to ASCD’s 2013 Annual Conference in Chicago.

Whole Child Network schools will kick off their participation in the network 
with a two and half day network wide training event during summer 2012, followed 
by one full-day, on-site training for each school, facilitated in partnership 
with ASCD’s Whole Child Programs staff, to introduce the whole child approach 
within the school community. Following that, ASCD staff will work in close 
consultation with school officials to design an implementation plan. Elements 
that may be a part of that plan include a needs assessment as well as customized 
face-to-face trainings, tools, and products that address the various needs 
identified by the assessment. This may include instructional program 
improvements, job-embedded professional development, student support, health and 
safety, and teacher/leader effectiveness.

Schools interested in applying should visit The ASCD Whole Child Website for 
more information. The deadline for schools to apply is April 30. For more 
information visit the ASCD Conference Website.



Call for Digital Learning Day 2013 Presenters
The Alliance for Excellent Education seeks to build upon the success of its 
first-ever Digital Learning Day by identifying and continuing to showcase 
teachers and schools that are effectively using digital learning technologies to 
accelerate student achievement. The Alliance seeks to highlight best practices 
and models where leaders are strategically and systemically incorporating 
technology into instructional practices including digital content, online 
courses & professional development, formative assessment, as well as the use of 
data to inform school improvement efforts. The Alliance invites any and all 
teachers, schools, districts, states and other organizations such as libraries, 
afterschool programs or community-based organizations to submit proposals to be 
considered for our work leading up to Digital Learning Day 2013. Such activities 
may include being showcased on our site, hosting a school visit, being 
highlighted in a case study, having an opportunity for a  teacher to be a guest 
blogger, developing tips of the day, or the potential to be featured in other 
ways leading up to Digital Learning Day 2013 on February 6, 2013. Submissions 
are due no later than April 27th. Visit theDigital Learning Day Website for more 
information.

Ladybug Girl and the Bug Squad Selected as Official Book for Jumpstart's Read 
for the Record 2012
Jumpstart and the Pearson Foundation today announced that Penguin’s Ladybug Girl 
and the Bug Squad, by David Soman and Jacky Davis, has been selected as the 
official book of Jumpstart’s 2012 Read for the Record Campaign. Jumpstart’s Read 
for the Record is an annual reading celebration that highlights the need for 
quality early education in America by mobilizing adults and children to set a 
record for the largest shared reading experience. For the first time this year, 
Read for the Record will take place over a full week—September 27 through 
October 4 — giving record breakers across the country even more opportunity to 
read and to support Jumpstart’s mission to work towards the day every child in 
America enters school prepared to succeed. Again this year, record breakers will 
also be able to take part by reading the book for free at We Give Books, the 
free digital reading initiative created by Penguin and the Pearson Foundation. 
The Ladybug Girl series, published by Penguin Young Readers Group’s Dial 
imprint, continues to find new readers year after year.



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Member Spotlight

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Idella Washington Delivers Thank You Message at Laura Bush Foundation's Gulf 
Coast School Recovery Event
Idella Washington, AASL member and school librarian at William Harte Elementary 
in Gretna, Louisiana, gave a thank you message on behalf of all all the grant 
recipients during the Laura Bush Foundation's recent Gulf Coast Recovery Event 
at Chalmette High School in New Orleans, where the Former First Lady announced  
twelve grants for hurricane-affected school libraries to rebuild their 
collections. Chalmette High School was the first school Mrs. Bush visited after 
Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005. Along with the 10 grants to Louisiana, and two 
to Pass Christian, Miss. school libraries, Bush also announced that all the 116 
school libraries that have received grants from her foundation's Gulf Coast 
School Recovery Initiative the past six years will also receive about $1,000 a 
piece. More than $500,000 in grants will be given to 12 schools across the Gulf 
Coast. To date, the Foundation has granted $14.1 million to all 50 states, 
including $6.3 million to rebuild Gulf Coast school libraries. All 116 schools 
that received awards since 2006 were invited to participate in this event and 
representatives from 77 of those schools were there.
 

Three AASL Members Named "Movers & Shakers" by Library Journal
AASL Members Andy Austin, library technologies specialist for the Genesee Valley 
School Library System in Le Roy, NY; Jennifer LaGarde, teacher-librarian at 
Myrtle Grove Middle School in Wilmington, NC; and Kristin Fontichiaro, clinical 
assistant professor at the University of Michigan, Ann arbor, MI were recently 
named 2012 Movers & Shakers by Library Journal. Movers & Shakers spotlights 
librarians and others in the library field who are doing extraordinary work to 
serve their users and to move libraries of all types and library services 
forward. Fifty-three people were named to the list in 2012. They are nominated 
by their colleagues, friends, bosses, and admirers.

AASL Member Articles Featured in March Issue of Educational Leadership
AASL Members Debbie Abilock, and Joyce Kasman Valenza and Wendy Stephens, 
contributed feature stories to the March edition of Educational Leadership, 
ASCD's flagship publication and authoritative source of information about 
teaching and learning, new ideas and practices relevant to practicing educators, 
and the latest trends and issues affecting prekindergarten through higher 
education. Debbie Abilock, speaker, consultant and founding editor of AASL’s 
Knowledge Quest, wrote the feature “How Can Students Know Whether the 
Information they Find Online is True – or Not?” Joyce Kasman Valenza, school 
librarian at Springfield Township High School Library in Erdenheim, PA; and 
Wendy Stephens, school librarian at Buckhorn High School in New Market, AL, 
co-authored the article, “Reading Remixed.”

Robyn Young Participates in Panel on Technology and Student Learning at Grad 
Nation
Robyn Young, AASL member and school librarian at Avon High School in Avon, IN, 
recently participated in a panel discussion at the Building a Grad Nation Summit 
in Washington, DC. The Building a Grad Nation Summit is the premier event of 
Grad Nation, a 10-year campaign launched by America’s Promise Alliance to end 
the high school dropout crisis and prepare young people for college and the 21st 
century workforce. The central theme of the 2012 summit was the strong 
connection between quality education and thriving, economically sound 
communities. The panel, Exploring the Ways Technology Can Contribute to Student 
Learning, discussed the ever-changing technological landscape of our country, 
and the challenge of integrating new tools in a variety of ways to increase 
student engagement, understanding, and access. Other panel speakers included Bob 
Wise, head of the Alliance for Excellent Education; Dr. Michael J. Martirano, 
superintendent at St. Mary's County Public Schools; Hope Johnston, teacher at 
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools; and Megan Parker, student at Eastern High School. 
Visit the America’s Promise Alliance Website to view the panel's PowerPoint 
presentation. Robyn represented AASL on behalf of the Educator Task Force which 
developed materials for Digital Learning Day.

Suzanna Panter's Dumbarton Elementary Library Named Virginia School Library of 
the Year
The Virginia Association of School Librarians (VaASL), the state affiliate of 
AASL, has selected Dumbarton Elementary School’s library as the School Library 
of the Year. Dumbarton was selected for implementing best practices, which 
include open access and flexible scheduling. Through use of technology, 
collaboration, and cross-curricular lessons, school librarian Suzanna Panter 
provides leadership for the instructional program. She integrates information 
literacy, skillful research and inquiry, and ethical use of technology for all 
students. The mission of the Dumbarton Elementary library program is to 
“actively engage students and staff in diverse learning experiences that inspire 
and empower them to think critically, create passionately, share selflessly, and 
grow abundantly.” This mission is achieved by focusing on collaboration, inquiry 
based learning, self-assessment for students and the importance of reading. You 
can read more about Suzanna Panter and the Dumbarton School Library in an 
article published in the Henrico Citizen.



AASL Members Offer Video on Importance of Certified School Librarians
AASL Members Dr. Ruth V. Small and Dr. Barbara K. Stripling, along with Dr. R. 
David Lankes have created a three minute video that speaks to the importance of 
certified school librarians in New York schools. All three are faculty members 
at Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies. Although the video 
targets New York State librarians, it can be used by any school librarian 
anywhere.

 
We love to brag about our members! Looking to make it into AASL's Member 
Spotlight? Submit your spotlight to Markisan Naso for inclusion in the next 
Member Spotlight segment.



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AASL Calendar
2012

April
1-30: School Library Month!

13: Path to Collaboration course ends

June
21-26: AASL at ALA 2012 Annual Conference

July
9: Design for Understanding Meets the 21st Century School Librarian

16: From 0 to 60: Implement eBooks in Your Library Program in 4 weeks

16: Making a Place, Making a Case for Read-Alouds: A Powerful Teaching Tool for 
Literacy

October
12-13: AASL 2012 Fall Forum

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