21st century learners : AASL

If you haven't seen it already, check out the AASL's Standards for the 21st Century Learner
http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/guidelinesandstandards/learningstandards/AASL_Learning_Standards_2007.pdf

This concise, accessible document is structured around some common beliefs, and four key learning areas with expanded standards statements for each around skills, dispositions in action, responsibilities, and self-assessment strategies...

Common beliefs

• Reading is a window to the world.
• Inquiry provides a framework for learning.
• Ethical behavior in the use of information must be taught.
• Technology skills are crucial for future employment needs.
• Equitable access is a key component for education.
• The definition of information literacy has become more complex as resources and technologies have changed.
• The continuing expansion of information demands that all individuals acquire the thinking skills that will enable them to learn on their own.
• Learning has a social context.
• School libraries are essential to the development of learning skills.

Learners use skills, resources, & tools to:

1. Inquire, think critically, and gain knowledge.
2. Draw conclusions, make informed decisions, apply knowledge to new situations, and create new knowledge.
3. Share knowledge and participate ethically and productively as members of our democratic society.
4. Pursue personal and aesthetic growth.

Free e-book : From the Creative Minds of 21st Century Librarians

Related to the previous post with Joyce Valenza's example - and challenge - of 21st century school librarianship, here is a quote from another interesting resource :

"The challenge for teacher librarians is to figure out how to empower students to be 21st-century learners through our school library programs. Our best path to meet that challenge can be framed from the wisdom of Mahatma Gandhi: “You must be the change you want to see in the world.” We must become 21st –century learners and teachers ourselves first."

From the Creative Minds of 21st Century Librarians is a freely downloadable e-book (licenced under Creative Commons) from the US Centre for Digital Literacy at Syracuse University, School of Information Studies.

http://digital-literacy.syr.edu/projects/view/83

This compilation offers 60 freely available, high quality lesson plans, each of which addresses at least one of the 2008 AASL Standards for the 21st Century Learner, including skills, dispositions, responsibilities and self-assessment strategies. Each lesson plan is organized within an attractive, color-coded, easy-to-follow template that provides a consistent format for succinct yet sufficiently detailed lesson plans, including links to all support materials.

Manifesto for 21st Century School Librarians

On the school library list serv, Catherine Lee, Teacher Librarian at Epsom Girls' Grammar School shared this essay by the inspiring Joyce Valenza, and it is a lively and challenging "job description"...

http://www.voya.com/2010/09/15/tag-team-tech-october-2010/

and my colleague Janet McFadden shared this item:

"The one photo in this report doesn't make this look like the most physically up-to-date library, but as we all know, Joyce Valenza is such a dynamic educator that the services provided are second to none, esp in terms of digital developments. Here's a brief report on the accolade the Springfield Township High School Library has just been given by the AASL:

High school library named best in state
Montgomery Newspapers Staff photo by BOB RAINES By Nicole Jenet
The Springfield Township High School library has been selected as the “outstanding” school library in Pennsylvania ...