Access to Print Books? Yes!
In this time of virtual and hybrid learning, are print books still important? My answer is a resounding “yes”! However, what do you do if your administrator doesn’t “get it”? I received a request for advice from a school librarian who said that her principal has been telling her to get rid of books because everything is online. I had expected to advocate for library budgets and positions this year as many school budgets have been cut due to COVID-19 and the slacking economy. The idea of balancing the collection and having access to both print and electronic sources is one supported by AASL’s National School Library Standards. The following bullets address some questions and ideas to consider when advocating for access to and budget for print resources: What are your administrator’s main goals or objectives? Our students need equitable access to diverse school library collections in multiple formats. Works Cited: Antolini, Tina. 2009. Barshay, Jill. 2019. Jacobson, Linda. 2018. Like this:
Teachers' Essential Guide to Google Classroom
What is Google Classroom? And how are teachers using it? Learn more about this popular platform and how to use it with students. What is Google Classroom? It's hard to avoid Google's most popular tools -- Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Docs are now staples for getting organized and getting work done. Read on to find answers to teachers' most commonly asked questions about the platform, with all kinds of information on how you can use Google Classroom with your students. What is Google Classroom? Google describes Google Classroom as "mission control for your classroom," and this might be the easiest way to think about it. Is Google Classroom an LMS? Technically, no. Who can use Google Classroom? Anyone! How do teachers use Google Classroom? Because it's a fairly flexible platform, educators use its features in a lot of different ways. Streamline how they manage classes. How do I set up my Google Classroom? Article 5 Talking Points About Tech for Your Back-to-School Night
Access to Resources and Services in the School Library | Advocacy, Legislation & Issues
The school library plays a unique role in promoting, protecting, and educating about intellectual freedom. It serves as a point of voluntary access to information and ideas and as a learning laboratory for students as they acquire critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed in a pluralistic society. Although the educational level and program of the school necessarily shape the resources and services of a school library, the principles of the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights apply equally to all libraries, including school libraries. Under these principles, all students have equitable access to library facilities, resources, and instructional programs. School librarians assume a leadership role in promoting the principles of intellectual freedom within the school by providing resources and services that create and sustain an atmosphere of free inquiry.
Here’s A 4 Part Explanation Of Snapmaps and Ghost Mode For Snapchat « 100.3 The Bull
Okay friends, a lot of you heard about the new Snapchat update that introduces it’s users to Snapmap. At first, it is an alarming idea that someone could know where you’re located. Here are few things you should know about Snapmap and it’s potential dangers or confusion spots. First, we shouldn’t be afraid of technology but we should always be aware of it’s power. Privacy is a thing of the past when it comes to people we know in this world. With the extreme interconnected web the Internet weaves between us makes us feel ‘okay’ with sharing more information to our peers than ever before. With that said, here are the important factors you need to know about Snapchat’s new update: It’s actually pretty cool. I hope this list helps those of you who are a little behind the curve with technology but love Snapchat. Follow me on the links below. Follow me on Snapchat: mrnickrusso Follow me on Instagram: kingnickrusso
Updating My Collection via the Inspire Collection Development Grant
My library is beautiful. It has one, large west-facing wall full of glass windows. It has traditional blonde oak stacks with matching tables and chairs. It also has many of the original books purchased in the 1950s and 60s. When I was chosen to be the new librarian three years ago, a Titlewise report showed just over 9,000 books in the collection with an average age of 1984. My first thought was, “Wow, I already have a community history project here and a full archive!” My principal was generous and gave me every penny he could spare. During this time, the majority of circulation, well 99%, was fiction. Back in year one I “remodeled” the whole library. Circulating Dewey, that was where I left off. Now that I knew what the problem was I began looking for more money. No sooner had the grant recipients been named than schools were closed due to COVID-19. Most of the books have arrived. Like this: Like Loading... Categories: Awards Spotlight, Community
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Family Policy Compliance Office (FPCO) Home The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education. FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children's education records. Parents or eligible students have the right to inspect and review the student's education records maintained by the school. Schools may disclose, without consent, "directory" information such as a student's name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance. For additional information, you may call 1-800-USA-LEARN (1-800-872-5327) (voice). Or you may contact us at the following address:
Library Bill of Rights | Advocacy, Legislation & Issues
The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services. I. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation. II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. III. IV. V. VI. VII. Adopted June 19, 1939, by the ALA Council; amended October 14, 1944; June 18, 1948; February 2, 1961; June 27, 1967; January 23, 1980; January 29, 2019.
Resources for Teaching Digital Citizenship | Tech Tidbits
As we continue to move forward into this age of explosive technology use, educators and families must find ways to teach children how to use their phones, tablets, and computers ethically, responsibly, and wisely. Our anxiety increases with every case of cyberbullying or identify theft reported on the evening news. How do adults, many of whom struggle to keep up with each new tech innovation, teach students the skills they urgently need to use technology for good and not ill? First, we need to be proactive and educate ourselves. The next step is to take advantage of the wealth of existing curriculum, engaging activities, and games that will not only increase our students’ understanding of digital citizenship but will also be entertaining and fun. Educators have also been using HyperDocs to create wonderfully crafted digital lesson plans that are visually engaging, often self-paced, and excellent tools for digital citizenship lessons. Save
Shelf Awareness
