Friday, October 26, 2007

Just Released: AASL Standards for the 21st-Century Learner

"Standards for the 21st-Century Learner" offer vision for teaching and learning to both guide and beckon our profession as education leaders. They will both shape the library program and serve as a tool for library media specialists to use to shape the learning of students in the school.

Common Beliefs
The learning standards begin by defining nine foundational common beliefs:
• Reading is a window to the world.
• Inquiry provides a framework for learning.
• Ethical behavior in the use of information must be taught.
• Technology skills are crucial for future employment needs.
• Equitable access is a key component for education.
• The definition of information literacy has become more complex as resources and technologies have changed.
• The continuing expansion of information demands that all individuals acquire the thinking skills that will enable them to learn on their own.
• Learning has a social context.
• School libraries are essential to the development of learning skills.

The Standards
The Standards describe how learners use skills, resources, and tools to
1. inquire, think critically, and gain knowledge;
2. draw conclusions, make informed decisions, apply knowledge to new situations, and create new knowledge;
3. share knowledge and participate ethically and productively as members of our democratic society;
4. pursue personal and aesthetic growth.

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Statewide Competitive EETT RFP; 2007-12

The purpose of this grant is to provide statewide professional development services and activities to aid administrators and teachers to improve student academic achievement through the use of technology in elementary schools and secondary schools.

For additional information, contact Art Skerker by e-mail or by phone at (860) 713-6553.