More Research – Canadian School Libraries Research Archive Why school librarians matter: What years of research tell us By Keith Curry Lance and Debra E. Kachel (Phi Delta Kappan, 2018) When schools have high-quality library programs and librarians who share their expertise with the entire school community, student achievement gets a boost. “Since 1992, a growing body of research known as the school library impact studies has consistently shown positive correlations between high-quality library programs and student achievement (Gretes, 2013; Scholastic, 2016). Data from more than 34 statewide studies suggest that students tend to earn better standardized test scores in schools that have strong library programs.
School librarian - unsung heroes of literacy When talking about teaching and learning, most people don’t immediately think of librarians. But in a school where the librarian or learning resource centre manager is valued and properly made use of, we can teach important skills. Librarians are in the privileged position of being able to work with teachers across all subjects and students of all ages, observing the inner workings of a school from a slight distance. Policies and Procedures Documentation of policies and procedures explains why and how things are done in the library and ensure that there is consistency of application regardless of changes of personnel and other circumstances. Library policy and procedures provide an important reference for library staff, administrators and teachersprovide a ratified document that can be used to defend a decision which is challengedguide decisions about the necessary staffing, funding and facilities to implement the policyoffer assistance to new staff about what is done and how it is done A policy provides a concise formal statement of principles which underpin how the library will act in a particular area of its operation. It needs to be developed within the parameters of system and school requirements and philosophies. A policy should identify
Navigating the information landscape through collaboration Elizabeth Hutchinson, Head of Schools' Library Service in Guernsey, writes that information literacy is at the centre of student learning, making the role of library staff as important as ever. School libraries and school library professionals have a huge role to play in supporting teaching and learning within a school. I often hear visiting authors comment on being able to identify a good school by how well the library is used. School librarian Caroline Roche penned the phrase ‘heart of the school’, which is used to describe schools whose library is at the centre of learning. But just having a school library does not make students suddenly want to start reading or researching.
the planner’s hat A vision statement is just the beginning. If it is to come to fruition then it needs to be teased out in and supported with a formal strategic plan which becomes the road map to the destination of your vision. Such a plan shows the pathway forward, guides decisions, helps negotiate obstacles and avoid detours, has markers and milestones which prove your progress and ensures that your steps are leading in the right direction. It includes identifying purposeprioritiesgoalstimeframesperformance indicatorsstakeholdersroles and responsibilitiesfinancial, human, time and physical resourcesexternal supportdocumentationreview periods
Bloomin' Apps This page gathers all of the Bloomin' Apps projects in one place.Each image has clickable hotspots and includes suggestions for iPad, Android, Google and online tools and applications to support each of the levels of Bloom's Revised Taxonomy.I have created a page to allow you to share your favorite online tool, iOS, or Android app with others. Cogs of the Cognitive Processes I began to think about the triangular shape of Bloom's Taxonomy and realized I thought of it a bit differently.Since the cognitive processes are meant to be used when necessary, and any learner goes in and out of the each level as they acquire new content and turn it into knowledge, I created a different type of image that showcased my thoughts about Bloom's more meaningfully.Here is my visual which showcases the interlocking nature of the cognitive processes or, simply, the "Cogs of the Cognitive Processes". IPAD APPS TO SUPPORT BLOOM'S REVISED TAXONOMYassembled by Kathy Schrock
The Coalition of Knowledge Building Schools - The Australian Museum Blog What is the Coalition of Knowledge Building Schools and how does the Museum work with them? The Coalition of Knowledge Building Schools is based in Sydney, and supported by the Faculty of Education and Social Work at the University of Sydney. The Coalition is an unfunded network of Government and non-Government Schools and other education institutions (such as the Australian Museum, the State Library of NSW and Taronga Zoo) who share an interest in inquiry-based professional learning and a commitment to hearing and listening to student voice. For more information about the Coalition have a look at their website. The Australian Museum has been working with the Coalition of Knowledge Building Schools over the past eight years.
BrainPOP Many schools in countries around the world have had to close temporarily due to the coronavirus outbreak. Recognizing the enormous impact this situation has on a school community, we are offering free, unlimited use of BrainPOP to any school, anywhere, that is closed due to the coronavirus during the period of their closure. Consider using BrainPOP’s animated movies, assessment resources, and creative tools for: Distance learningSupport for projects and homeworkKeeping students on track with their studies Spanish - GLOBE.gov GLOBE makes every effort to provide translations of our materials in the official U.N. languages. Currently, Elementary GLOBE materials are available in Arabic, English, French, German, Norwegian, and Spanish. Click on the language below to access the translated Elementary GLOBE materials. Please note that not all storybooks and activities have been translated.
School Librarians Should Be Required, Not Fodder for Short-Term Cuts Nothing as vital to learning as school libraries should be left to the push-me, pull-you of whittling a budget under pressure. My heart sank when I heard that school librarians are at risk in Spokane, WA, again, with a clock ticking for a decision on proposed cuts at the end of the summer. Then my blood boiled. School libraries, with certified school librarians powering them, should be required in our schools, not fodder for temporary cuts with long-term negative impacts. In Spokane, this current setback comes just over a decade after the renowned Spokane Moms turned the tide there with an advocacy effort that set a new standard for what parents can do when they get into the fight. Now, one of the moms, Lisa Layera, describes the problem in a way we should all be listening to.
Kami Kami wants to help educators and schools impacted by the COVID-19 As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to spread globally, we want to help students continue learning remotely. If your school is temporarily closed due to the coronavirus, please get in touch with us to get an immediate deployment of Kami to your entire school staff and students. Our dedicated team is here to help and respond as soon as possible to accommodate your needs. Get access to Kami’s free offer Email us at support@kamiapp.com