[CASL-L] Fwd: AASL Hotlinks – May 2015

[Kwidz]

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> From: AASL <mfeatheringham at ala.org>
> Date: May 4, 2015 at 5:02:35 PM EDT
> To: Irene <kwidz at sbcglobal.net>
> Subject: AASL Hotlinks – May 2015
> Reply-To: AASL <mfeatheringham at ala.org>
> 
> 
> The American Association of School Librarians empowers leaders to transform teaching and learning.
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> Volume 14, Issue 2
> May 2015
>  
> 
> 
> In This Issue:
> Association News
> Member Spotlight
> Education News
> Resources for School Librarians
> Partnership and Collaborator News
> Grants & Awards
> Association News
> AASL Opens Registration for Its 17th National Conference & Exhibition
> Registration is now open for AASL’s 17th National Conference & Exhibition. The conference, themed “Experience Education Evolution,” will be held Nov. 5-8, 2015, in Columbus, Ohio, and is the only national conference dedicated solely to the needs of school librarians and their roles as educational leaders. A full list of rates and deadlines can be found at national.aasl.org/registration.
> 
> AASL Seeks School Librarians for Standards and Guidelines Implementation Task Force
> AASL is seeking school librarians to serve on an implementation task force for a new iteration of the association’s learning standards and program guidelines slated to launch in the fall of 2017. The task force will be responsible for developing a plan to support states, school systems and individual schools preparing to implement the new publication. The development of a new implementation plan to support the revision of AASL’s learning standards and program guidelines is a critically important project to both the association and the profession. More information can be found at www.ala.org/aasl/rfp.
> 
> New AASL Pins Mark Member Milestones
> New and continuing members of the AASL can now wear their AASL membership proudly with the distribution of new AASL member pins. New members will receive the pin, featuring the AASL logo, with their welcome packet upon joining the association. Pins will also be mailed to lifetime members and those who have reached the milestones of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years of continuous membership. Lifetime and milestone pins will include a bar recognizing their years of service to the association. Pins will be distributed to members annually. AASL is the only national professional membership organization focused on school librarians and the school library community. To join, visit www.ala.org/aasl/join.
> 
> Tech Tools on Display during AASL Preconferences
> Preconferences offered by AASL at the 2015 ALA Annual Conference are designed to further empower school librarians as technology leaders in their schools. Participants will learn how to use the best of the best during Integrating AASL's Best Websites and Best Apps into your School's Curriculum. In the workshop The Google, the Bing, and the Open Web: Teaching Credibility Assessment to Young Adults, participants will be introduced to methods of credibility assessment instruction informed through research conducted by a team at the University of Maryland in collaboration with school librarians in selected middle schools. These half-day workshops will be offered Friday, June 26 in San Francisco. For more information, visit www.ala.org/aasl/annual.
> 
> School Library Month Storytelling Contest Winners Announced
> AASL along with ABRAMS are excited to announce the winners of the 2015 School Library Month Digital Storytelling Contest. Students were urged to let loose their creativity and illustrate the 2015 School Library Month theme, “Your School Library: Where Learning Never Ends, ” using a variety of online mediums. The winning entries are:
> Grades Kindergarten – 2
> The Dream
> Glenwood Elementary School, Enid, Oklahoma
> Selected by author guest judge: Susan Verde
> 
> Grades 6-8
> The Adventures of the School Library
> Springfield Middle School, Fort Mill, South Carolina
> Selected by author guest judge: Trevor Pryce
> 
> Grades 9-12
> Digital Storytelling Milby HS: Where Learning Never Ends
> Milby High School, Houston
> Selected by author guest judge: Lauren Myracle
> 
> Winners will receive a set of books signed and personalized by the judging author. Prizes and author judges were graciously provided by ABRAMS. In addition, the winning videos will be featured on the AASL website and social networking platforms.
> 
> AASL Seeks Manuscripts for Knowledge Quest
> AASL is seeking original, unpublished manuscripts for publication in its professional journal, Knowledge Quest. Potential topics, requirements for consideration and deadlines can be found at knowledgequest.aasl.org/manuscripts. Knowledge Quest is devoted to offering substantive information to assist building-level school librarians, supervisors, library educators and other decision makers concerned with the development of school library programs and services. AASL seeks manuscripts that address the integration of theory and practice in school librarianship and new developments in education, learning theory and relevant disciplines.
> 
> June Is GLBT Book Month
> The American Library Association (ALA) has designated June 2015 as GLBT Book Month™, a nationwide celebration of the authors and writings that reflect the lives and experiences of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. GLBT Book Month™ is an initiative of the American Library Association and is coordinated through its Office for Diversity, Literacy, and Outreach Services and the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Round Table. Originally established in the early 1990s by The Publishing Triangle as National Lesbian and Gay Book Month, June 2015 will mark the first commemoration of GLBT Book Month™ to be held under ALA’s auspices.
> 
> back to top
> Member Spotlight
> Paula LaRue Wins a Year of Free AASL Membership
> By sharing the wealth of AASL membership with a colleague, Paula LaRue, in turn, won a free year of AASL membership for herself. LaRue’s name was drawn as the March winner of the AASL Share the Wealth Campaign. LaRue referred Ellen Williams to AASL. “I recommend membership in AASL to all my school library friends,” said LaRue. “I feel it's important to have a national voice about the vital work we do every day. Our state organizations work tirelessly, but a nationwide presence commands the attention and support our students deserve. I'm especially excited about welcoming the AASL conference to the Buckeye State in November--can't wait to see you all then!"
> back to top
> Education News
> NCLB Rewrite Passes Senate Education Committee
> A bill to rewrite No Child Left Behind was unanimously approved by the U.S. Senate's education committee. The full Senate is expected to debate the bill later this spring. "We've never been able to get it to the floor, because we've not really agreed on anything. This time it's different," said Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., chairman of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.
> 
> Girls Still Stronger in Reading
> A new study from the Brookings Institution finds that based on eight estimates of U.S. national reading performance, girls consistently outscore boys. It also finds gaps are shrinking. At age nine, the gap on the NAEP Long Term Trend (NAEP-LTT) between girls and boys declined from 13 scale score points in 1971 to five in 2012, with smaller gap shrinkages at ages 13 and 17. This performance gap is also worldwide: On the 2012 PISA, 15-year-old females outperformed males in all 65 participating countries. But for all of this, the gap seems to disappear by adulthood. Tests of adult ability show no U.S. gender gap in reading by age 25, and in later years, scores tilt toward men.
> 
> Sharing iPads May Enhance Learning
> IPads can have a positive effect on academic performance, and it may increase when students share a device, a recent study found. Data show students who shared an iPad scored 28% higher on end-of-year literacy tests, compared with a 24% improvement among students who used the devices on their own.
> 
> Same-Sex Groups Can Boost STEM Confidence
> Girls studying science, technology, engineering and math may feel more confident in their abilities when they are part of majority-female peer groups, according to a recent study published in the journal Psychological and Cognitive Sciences. Research found that college-age women participated more in the same-sex groups than in groups dominated by men.
> 
> Music Lessons May Impact Student Learning
> Music classes may result in improved reading abilities -- particularly for low-income students -- according to a recent Northwestern University study. Researchers found that music also helps students develop social, emotional, intellectual and creative skills.
> 
> States Increase Investment in Higher Education
> Higher-education funding from state and local governments rose 5.4% in fiscal 2014 over the previous year, according to a recent report by the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association. The report also revealed that tuition dollars are rivaling state dollars as the primary source of funding for colleges and universities.
> 
> Extra Reading Class May Not Improve All Students’ Scores
> More may not be better when offering additional instruction to some students who score below the 60th percentile on literacy assessments, according to a recent study. The study, which focused on students in a large, urban district, revealed that an extra literacy class did not result in gains for black students.
> 
> K-12 Schools Should Expand STEM Training
> Greater STEM training is needed in K-12 schools and beyond -- even for students not considering careers in STEM fields -- according to a recent report by the National Science Foundation's National Science Board. The foundation also suggests expanding access to STEM education for all students, particularly women, minorities and low-income students.
> 
> Students at Standing Desks Stay on Task
> Students who used a standing desk were more engaged in learning than those who were seated at conventional desks, according to a recent study. Researchers gauged students' focus by measuring on-task behaviors such as how many times students contributed to class discussions.
> 
> Apps Can Improve Literacy Skills and School Readiness in At-Risk Children
> A new study from New York University finds that certain children may benefit from increased smartphone usage. Specifically, researchers at NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development found that low-income children who used learning apps in preschool classrooms were better prepared for school and improved in early literacy skills. "Guided use of an educational app may be a source of motivation and engagement for children in their early years," said Susan B. Neuman, professor of childhood and literacy education at NYU Steinhardt and the study's author, in a statement.
> back to top
> Resources for School Librarians
> Guide for Ed-Tech Developers
> U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan recently announced a new, free developer's guide for education technology. The downloadable guide identifies 10 key challenges in education such as family engagement, professional development and assessment creation.
> 
> 
> 4 Tips to Build an Affordable Digital Media Lab
> A digital media lab can help create a project-based learning space for the 21st-century student, library media specialist Donna DeLuca writes in this commentary. She shares how she helped construct an affordable digital media lab in her school's library and suggests four ways to help others set up their own labs.
> 
> Common Core Rubrics Available to Inform Textbook Decisions
> Schools and educators now have access to rubrics designed to help them determine if a textbook is aligned with Common Core State Standards. The resources were published by the Council of the Great City Schools, one of several groups working to provide Common Core decision-making resources to schools.
> 
> Steps for Districtwide PBL
> Project-based learning can help students discover their voice and take part in authentic learning, asserts Lisa Gonzales, superintendent of the Portola Valley School District in California. In this commentary, she describes her district's transition to a PBL environment.
> 
> How Educators Use Minecraft
> More educators are using Minecraft—and its educational version, MinecraftEdu—in the classroom, and beyond. This article highlights how three educators are using the program, including to "rebuild" a school, offer career guidance and shape research projects.
> 
> How to Ensure Students’ Data Is Safe
> All education stakeholders share the responsibility of ensuring the "security and proper use of student data," according to Kecia Ray, executive director of learning technologies at Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools. In this blog post, she shares tips to help districts establish best practices for protecting students' data.
> 
> Using Mentoring to Support Students’ Social, Emotional Needs
> Cross-grade, student-based mentor programs can help support students' social, emotional and physical needs, suggests Dan Ajerman, a science teacher at Leman Manhattan Preparatory School in New York City. In this blog post, he explains how mentoring supports the "whole child."
> back to top
> Partnership and Collaborator News
> More School Districts Moving to the Cloud
> More school districts in the U.S. are using cloud-based services, according to a recent Consortium of School Networking survey. Findings show productivity-based tools, such as Google Apps for Education, are the most popular, followed by learning management and student information systems.
> back to top
> Grants & Awards
> Google Science Fair
> Google has launched its fifth annual global science fair, in which students between ages 13 and 18 are invited to submit projects that break new ground in science and solve real-world problems. The winner will receive a $50,000 scholarship from Google, among other prizes. Deadline for applications is May 19.
> 
> James Patterson’s $1.5 Million Pledge to Libraries
> James Patterson announced plans to give away $1.5 million to school libraries. In partnership with Scholastic, Patterson will make individual donations of $1,000 to $10,000. The money can be used for books, reading programs, or technology and repairs. The Scholastic Reading Club has pledged to match each grant with bonus points that can be used for books and classroom materials. Librarians, teachers, administrators, or other interested parties can nominate a school library anywhere in the U.S. that serves students from pre-K through 12th grade. Applications are due May 31, 2015.
> 
> National Weather Association Sol Hirsch Teacher Grants
> National Weather Association Sol Hirsch Teacher Grants improve students' education in meteorology. Teachers selected will be able to use the funds to take an accredited course in atmospheric sciences, attend a relevant workshop or conference, or purchase scientific materials or equipment for the classroom. Maximum award: $750. Eligibility: K-12 teachers. Deadline: June 1, 2015.
> 
> PTO Today Parent Group of the Year Contest
> PTO Today's Parent Group of the Year Contest is an excellent opportunity for parent groups to showcase their hard work while giving their school the chance to win cash and prizes. Maximum award: $3,000. Eligibility: all parent groups -- PTO, PTA, HSA, PTC, etc.; public and private schools; rural, suburban, and urban schools. Deadline: June 1, 2015.
> 
> Teacher Grants from the NEA Foundation
> Currently, the NEA offers grants in two categories, including “Student Achievement” and “Learning & Leadership." Both programs have a Feb. 1 deadline. Student Achievement grants are designed to help teachers engage students in critical thinking and problem solving in standards-based subject matter. Winning programs should also improve students' inquiry, self-paced learning, and critical reflection skills. The Learning & Leadership grants fund professional development experiences and collegiate study for educators. Prize: Grants range from $2,000 to $5,000. Deadline: June 1 and Oct. 15.
> 
> Farmers Insurance Dream Big Teacher Challenge
> Are you a teacher with a big dream that has the potential to impact the lives of the children and families in your school and community? Is funding the only thing standing between you and the realization of that dream? Then Thank America's Teachers invites you to step up to the Dream Big Teacher Challenge and submit your proposal for one of six grants. Maximum award: $100,000. Eligibility: current K through 12 teachers in the United States who submit a qualified proposal. Deadline: June 30, 2015.
> 
> 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. Honorees will be chosen based upon documented success in implementing strategies aligned with the three core areas of NASSP's Breaking Ranks II publication -- collaborative leadership; personalization; and curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Maximum award: $5,000, plus 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, 2015.
> 
> 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, 2015.
> 
> Toshiba America Foundation: Grants for Math and Science
> The Toshiba America Foundation makes grants for projects in math and science designed by classroom teachers to improve instruction for students in grades K-12. Maximum award: $5,000. Eligibility: Grades 6-12. Deadline: August 1, 2015.
> 
> Wild Ones Seeds for Education Grant
> Wild Ones, a nonprofit environmental education and advocacy organization, is accepting applications from projects designed to enhance and develop an appreciation for nature using native plants. Through the Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Fund, grants of up to $500 will be awarded for projects that emphasize the involvement of students and volunteers in all phases. In addition, local nurseries identified by Wild Ones will supply seeds, plants, and advice to grant recipients. Schools, nature centers, houses of worship, and nonprofit places of learning that focus on educating elementary through high school students in the United States are eligible. Qualified applicants must have a site available for the project. Applications are due October 15.
> 
> 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, 2015.
> 
> FFVF Leavey Awards for Excellence in Private Enterprise Eduation
> The Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge Leavey Awards for Excellence in Private Enterprise Education to honor outstanding educators who excite a commitment in their students to the free enterprise system and unleash the entrepreneurial skills of their students at the elementary, junior high school, high school and college level. Maximum award: $15,000. Eligibility: teachers at schools (K-12), colleges, and universities. Deadline: November 1, 2015.
> 
> 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.
> 
> Adobe Software Grants
> Educators at Title 1 schools are encouraged to apply for software and teacher development grants from Adobe. The program is designed to increase access to Adobe creative tools through the White House’s ConnectED initiative. In addition to software, educators also receive access to on-demand professional development, including webinars, workshops and collaborative courses to learn more about utilizing Adobe creative programs in the classroom. Prize: Schools receive access to a variety of Adobe tools, including Adobe Photoshop Elements and Adobe Premiere Elements. Educators also receive access to online PD courses. Deadline: Rolling.
> 
> Classroom Newspaper Subscription Grants from USA TODAY
> On a rolling basis, the USA TODAY Charitable Foundation awards teachers digital and print subscriptions to USA TODAY. Currently, the foundation is awarding digital subscriptions to teachers on a first-come, first-served basis; print subscriptions are unavailable at the moment. Teachers must submit a short online application to be considered. Prize: Classroom subscriptions to the e-edition of USA TODAY. Deadline: Rolling.
> back to top
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> AASL Hotlist
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> Member Currents
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> Melissa Keefer is now the library media specialist at Fort Mill School District.
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> Did you land a new job, attain a new degree or position, or change your name? Tell us about it! Through Member Currents, AASL will provide a forum for updates on its members. Types of updates include graduations, certifications earned, changes in job positions, retirements, name changes, and death notices.                         
> School Library Jobs
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> Chicago Public Schools is seeking an Integrated Library System Specialist.
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> Oregon Trail School District has two openings for licensed school librarians.
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> SEK International School Qatar is seeking a school librarian to start in August.
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> Augmented Reality in the Classroom
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> Saving Stories in School Libraries
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> The Best of the AASL Best Websites for Teaching & Learning
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> Transform Teaching and Learning with Digital Tools
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> Turn on a Dime: Changing Your Library on a Limited Budget
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> (Clicking these links will first prompt you to log in to the AASL website.)
> AASL Calendar
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> May
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> 20: Webinar: School Library Collaborations: Making Them Work to Improve Student Achievement
> Latest KQ Blog Posts
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> Programming Tips Inspired by SLM Authors – April 20th – April 26th
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> Monday Means Leadership: Virtual Library Legislative Day
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> Knowledge Quest Seeks Original Manuscripts
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> Friday Finds – Knowledge of Patrons
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> Let’s Get Together Thursday – Celebrating School Library Month
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> Technology Tuesday – Creating Video MashUps
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> Programming Tips Inspired by SLM Authors – April 13th – April 19th
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> Monday Means Leadership: Literacy Leaders
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> Friday Finds – Cool Library Video
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> What to Read Wednesday – You Gotta Love a Good Cult Story
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> AASL opens registration for its 17th National Conference & Exhibition
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> Ideas for Using AASL Best Websites: Youngzine
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> Share a Tweet for School Library Funding!
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> Programming Tips Inspired by SLM Authors – April 6th – April 12th
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> Monday Means Leadership: Your Professional Place on the Internet
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> Friday Finds – Promote the Love of Reading
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> Make Some Noise for School Library Funding
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> Let’s Get Together Thursday – Why Attend Data Meetings?
>                                 
> Copyright © 2015 American Association of School Librarians, All rights reserved.
> 
> AASL, 50 E Huron St., Chicago IL 60611 
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