Middle+Schools+Notes+and+Reflections-Celebration+Session

Gwen, Maria, Nancy,, Dawn Becky, Diana, Lorena, Su, Gigi
 * Discussion of Web2 projects
 * Issues: What happens in various districts to get access to the tools kids need? Who do we use the tools is much more important than teaching the tools.
 * Worked with kids on how to behave in a digital environment--read, write, digital footprint, etc.
 * Start educating people in IT. Let them know how we will use the tools. D11 had to involve principals in the areas of student behavior. Took a couple of years. to get tools unblocked. Most teacher access is open. Now school board members have gotten involved.
 * Administrative teams need to be involved.
 * Bring parents into libraries, expand the discussion and work to defuse some of the "political" issues
 * Diana looked for real world applications for animal projects.

Reflection Renew
 * I am frustrated with __, and I need to know how to_____.
 * Arm your self with the standards and examples of student work.
 * Look at the cool things others are doing to share data.
 * Alan November is a writing about information literacy. His web site has some great Information Literacy tools to use for advocacy and instruction. []
 * There is a frustration with the over emphasis on testing. Some districts are mandating test prep materials for CSAP preparation. District level decision are often made about expenditures without our input. How do we get input into that process?
 * Can CASL put together a list of protocols and procedures that districts need to follow for accountability?
 * The **new state standards for accreditation** were discussed at a workshop. The group discussed a document that has been created to define library services. It states: "the quantitative and qualitative standards provide a tiered rubric to assess the school library program. It is the expectation that these standards will provide a pathway to excellence in library services." A part of the document is an expectation for staffing of libraries. The draft documents states that to be recognized, "A certified librarian is assigned to the library full-time with no additional responsibilities. Additional staff is provided so the library can stay open during the entire school day."
 * Think about various ways of leading. Participatory leadership, collaborative leadership.
 * We need advocates who are not insiders. Parents, students, administrators.
 * Inform others of what you students are doing. Word-of-mouth is a great way to spread the word.
 * We need to talk about how we work and how our job will change.