Standards for the 21st Century Learner -- AASL

The American Association of School Librarians (AASL)'s Standards for the 21^st Century Learner is an 8-page pamphlet. It is excellent. Download it. Print it. Highlight and use key words like READING, WINDOW TO THE WORLD, FUNDAMENTAL SKILL, INQUIRY, ETHICAL BEHAVIOR, etc. Refer to this frequently. Site the source and generously share URL or print version.

Post a print version in your library, staff room, site council meeting room, and school board meeting room. Post link on school and district websites. Include it in district and site-level library, curriculum, and technology plans.

Don't send it out in a mass e-mail. Better to personalize your message, maybe hand-deliver a copy to key curriculum and technology leaders, administrators, and parents. It is all about students, so be sure to include key messages:

• Students deserve equitable access to school libraries.
• School library standards enable schools to create strong school libraries.
• Strong school libraries build strong students!