Some newsworthy items from AASL:
Intellectual Freedom Brochure Available for DownloadAASL has developed a new Intellectual Freedom brochure for AASL
members to download. The brochure offers insight and support for
school library media programs facing censorship issues. There are
also print and online resources and information on the ALA Code of
Ethics.
To download the brochure, visit:
http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aaslissues/aasl_intellectual_freedom_brochure.pdfGrants:Low-Income School Library Media Programs Receive Funds to Advance TechnologyU.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings announced the award
of $18,258,896 to enhance school library media programs in 59
low-income school districts across the United States. The grants aim
to help students improve reading achievement by increasing their
access to up-to-date and technologically advanced materials.
For more information about the Improving Literacy Through School
Libraries program or to see the list of grant recipients, visit:
http://www.ed.gov/programs/lsl
Grants Available for School Library Media Programs Serving At-Risk StudentsThe Lois Lenski Covey Foundation annually awards grants to rural
and urban, public school library media programs serving at-risk
children. The Foundation gives priority to applications from libraries
with real need and limited book budgets. Funds are earmarked for
purchasing books for young people rather than administrative or
operational use. Previously awarded grants range from $500 to $2,000.
Successful applicants have proposed purchases to update their
collections generally or to expand their holdings in specific areas. To
qualify for year 2008 grants, completed application forms must be
received no later than September 15, 2008.
An online application form is available at:
http://www.loislenskicovey.orgFor Students and Teachers:
P21 Offers Educator Social Studies Map to Aid in Teaching 21st-Century SkillsThe Partnership for 21st Century Skills (P21) and National Council for
the Social Studies (NCSS) have developed a 21st Century Skills and
Social Studies Map, which details how to align teaching and learning
to the demands of the 21st century. Suggested lesson plans combine
core skills like critical thinking, creativity, and innovation with
interdisciplinary themes (civic, economic and entrepreneurial literacy,
and global awareness) and allow teachers to easily integrate the map
into their curriculum.
The map is available at:
http://www.21stcenturyskills.orgFrom the Smithsonian Institution offer Students Fun and GamesThe Smithsonian Institution has gathered several fun online games
from museums across the country. Students can create sculpture
online at the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, learn how to
make a light bulb at the Lemelson Center, or see an animated
triceratops skeleton walk at the Natural History Museum.
Access the Smithsonian's kids' section at:
http://www.si.edu/kidsLabels: grants, intellectual freedom, low-income, smithsonian
