My+Postings

Moreillon, J., Luhtala, M., & Russo, C. (2011). LearningthatSticks: Engaged Educators + Engaged Learners. SchoolLibraryMonthly, 28(1), 17-20.

//The article I read defines information literacy as “the ability to find, analyze, comprehend, use, produce, and share information,” which is a more detailed and substantive definition than what I’ve read in other sources. The article notes that these “21st-century skills” are rarely tested in most states, but they are nonetheless vital tools for today’s students. The article focuses on New Canaan High School in Connecticut as an example of a school library program that has supported interdisciplinary teaching via technology to achieve a “21st-century education.” //

See http://vnweb.hwwilsonweb.com.cwplib.proxy.liu.edu/hww/results/getResults.jhtml?_DARGS=/hww/results/results_common.jhtml.35

Posted 9/20/11

"Obama to alter No Child Left Behind." //NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams//. NBC: WNBC, New York, 23 Sep 2011. Television. 25 Sep 2011.

//President Obama announced changes to the Bush-era No Child Left Behind act, in essence giving states the ability to opt-out of the law’s requirements. Obama said NCLB fails students in that it too often requires that teachers teach to the test; other educators say that NCLB is outdated and schools “need to start looking at 21st-century skills.”//

See [|http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#44647581]

Posted 9/25/11

Fredrick, K. (2011). Creative Commons goes to school. //School ////Library ////Monthly // , //28//(1), 25-7.

//In light of Assignment One, I thought this article was relevant. It discusses the importance of Creative Commons, its widespread use and how it complements copyright law. The author expresses the need for Creative Commons to be used more in K-12 schools. Not only does Creative Commons increase the universe of what’s available for students to use ethically in their projects, but learning about Creative Commons can inform students about intellectual property and how to protect and share their own work. //

See []

Posted 10/2/11


 * Steven P. Jobs: His Life, His Companies, His Products**

Belopotosky, D. & Brustein, J. (2011, October 05). Steven P. Jobs: his life, his companies, his products. //The New York Times//, Retrieved from []

//In a retrospective timeline of Steve Jobs’ achievements,// The New York Times //noted that in 1977, Apple introduced the Apple II computer, focusing on the education market in part to “improve students’ computer skills.” Steve Jobs was a peerless pioneer not only in the tech world, but in the education world as well.//

Posted 10/8/11

Whelan, D. L. (2011). Lauren Myracle drops out of National Book Award consideration. //slj.com//, Retrieved from []

This article on SLJ.com describes how author Lauren Myracle's book, //Shine,// was named a National Book Award finalist last week, after which she was told that the nomination was a mistake, but that it would remain on the short list regardless. A few days later, the NBA committee asked Myracle to remove her book from consideration. Although this article isn't exactly relevant to our study of instructional design and leadership, I thought it was a "gem" in that it portrays the ability to rise above a bad situation.

See[| http://www.slj.com/slj/home/892417-312/lauren_myracle_drops_out_of.html.csp]

Posted 10/18/11


 * 21st-Century School Librarians: Envisioning the Future**

Mann, S. (2011). 21st-century school librarians: envisioning the future. //School Library Monthly//, //28//(2), 29-30.

This article provides a concise description of what school librarians can do to run effective programs in the 21st century. Librarians must model their love of reading and learning to students, embrace and teach new technologies, and collaborate with teachers whenever possible. The author also discusses the topics of advocacy, assessment and leadership as they relate to the library. I picked this article to share because it clearly captures the essence of dynamic school librarians.

Posted 10/26/11


 * An Information Literacy Progression**

Andrews, S., & Gann, L. (2011). An information literacy progression. //School Library Monthly//, 28(2), 21-23.

//This article is a great companion to read alongside AASL’s// Standards for the 21st-Century Learner//. It explains the four standards clearly and discusses the concept of scaffolding. The article also describes the different strands within each standard: skills, dispositions, responsibilities and self-assessment. I found this article to be very helpful in making sense of the AASL’s standards.//

Posted 10/29/11


 * How Shanghai Schools Stunned the World**

"How Shanghai schools stunned the world." //NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams//. NBC: WNBC, New York, 2 Nov 2011. Television. 8 Nov 2011.

//This story from NBC Nightly News discusses how students in Shanghai are number one in the world in standardized test scores for math and reading, but notes that the Chinese educational system, which teaches students “how to beat the test,” has left a gap in producing academically creative students.//

See [|http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#45141356]

Posted 11/8/11


 * “Strategies for the Funding Crisis: Helping to Save Your School Library”**

Geier, D. B. (2011). Strategies for the funding crisis: helping to save your school library. //Library Media Connection//, 30(3), 52-53.

//In order for school librarians to stay relevant, they must do more than simply “advertise” their library, but “market” it instead. They must market their library to teachers, the principal, parents and other community members; they should also present at professional development workshops, become a leader in technology and serve on curriculum committees.//

Posted 11/15/11


 * “Implement Comprehensive Information Literacy: Location and Access”**

Murray, J. (2011). Implement comprehensive information literacy: location and access. //Library Media Connection//, 30(3), 38-40.

This article highlights stage 3 from The Big Six model, Location and Access, and encourages librarians to “plan a schoolwide focus” on this stage for December. Librarians can accomplish this by reviewing their state’s content standards related to stage 3, identifying information literacy and learning goals, and introducing students to online subject directories.

Posted 11/19/11


 * “NYC Conference Focuses on Key Role of School Librarians in Common Core Standards”**

Diaz, S.M. "NYC conference focuses on key role of school librarians in Common Core Standards." //School Library Journal//. (2011). Web. 30 Nov. 2011.

//This article discusses the highlights from the recent NYC School Library System’s Annual Library Fall Conference. The major focus of this conference was the role of school librarians in helping students to meet the Common Core Standards. Barbara Stripling was the event organizer and one of the featured speakers.//

See []

Posted 11/30/11


 * “Leadership Is about Listening”**

Coatney, S. (2011). Leadership is about listening. //School Library Monthly//, //28//(3), 32-33.

//This article discusses the importance being a “listening librarian.” The author advocates that librarians need to practice good customer service by listening to their patrons, adapting policies and procedures when necessary, and making sure the library and staff are accessible and friendly. She writes that this is especially true for school librarians, who may lose student and teacher interest if they do not listen to their patrons’ needs.//

See []

Posted on 12/4/11


 * “Analyzing the Cognitive Skills and Inquiry”**

Stafford, T. (2011). Analyzing the cognitive skills and inquiry. //School Library Monthly//, //28//(2), 8-10.

//This article discusses the Common Core Standards in relation to school librarians. I found the article to be a bit complex, but it is very relevant in terms of our course work this semester regarding inquiry models and the AASL// Standards for the 21st-Century Learner.

See [|http://web.ebscohost.com.cwplib.proxy.liu.edu/ehost/detail?vid=3&hid=119&sid=2c13ff3f-8d05-4c11-a53b-fc36e9b9201c%40sessionmgr112&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=lxh&AN=66901427]

Posted on 12/11/11


 * YouTube for Schools Offers a Remedy–and Underscores Ongoing Filter Issues**

Ishizuka, K. “YouTube for schools offers a remedy–and underscores ongoing filter issues.” //School Library Journal //. (2011). Web. 17 Dec. 2011.

//This article discusses the pros and cons of a new website called YouTube for Schools, which is in essence a filtered version of YouTube. Part of the article addresses who should be the gatekeeper for deciding what constitutes appropriate websites for students.//

See []

Posted on 12/17/11