MSLA is working hard to keep librarians in the conversation about ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act). The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is holding public forums for interested stakeholders. There have been 2 of these forums held to date, one in Shrewsbury and one in Brockton. There are two more upcoming forums. I encourage you to register to attend.
The Brainswarming sessions, as called by DESE, are a combination of individual and group brainstorming about how Massachusetts will implement the new federal mandate. The questions were very targeted regarding the indicators to differentiate schools - such as chronic absenteeism, access to the arts, well rounded curriculum and many more. As I and MSLA secretary, Robyn York, attended the very first forum in Shrewsbury, libraries were not yet on the radar. This week the Brockton forum had six local school librarians in attendance. It would be helpful for the last two sessions to have several more school librarians in attendance.
There are talking points that are helpful to read through, highlight essential points and bring with you to a forum. It's also essential that all school librarians are aware of how our positions can be impactful to implementing the legislation. Please read the talking points and if you are unable to attend a forum session, begin the conversation with your administrators, other librarians, and teachers. Advocacy is our most important tool.
Talking Points
Thursday, December 1, Holyoke High School, 500 Beech St., Holyoke
Tuesday, December 6, Collins Middle School, 29 Highland Ave., Salem
REGISTER HERE
The Brainswarming sessions, as called by DESE, are a combination of individual and group brainstorming about how Massachusetts will implement the new federal mandate. The questions were very targeted regarding the indicators to differentiate schools - such as chronic absenteeism, access to the arts, well rounded curriculum and many more. As I and MSLA secretary, Robyn York, attended the very first forum in Shrewsbury, libraries were not yet on the radar. This week the Brockton forum had six local school librarians in attendance. It would be helpful for the last two sessions to have several more school librarians in attendance.
There are talking points that are helpful to read through, highlight essential points and bring with you to a forum. It's also essential that all school librarians are aware of how our positions can be impactful to implementing the legislation. Please read the talking points and if you are unable to attend a forum session, begin the conversation with your administrators, other librarians, and teachers. Advocacy is our most important tool.
Talking Points
Thursday, December 1, Holyoke High School, 500 Beech St., Holyoke
Tuesday, December 6, Collins Middle School, 29 Highland Ave., Salem
REGISTER HERE