AASL executive director elected strategic council chair of national organization

CHICAGO – On Sept. 1, Julie Walker, executive director of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL), assumed the role of strategic council chair for P21. Walker will serve for the 2010-2011 academic year.

P21, www.p21.org, is a national organization that advocates for 21st century readiness for every student. As the United States continues to compete in a global economy that demands innovation, P21 and its members provide tools and resources to help the U.S. education system keep up by fusing the three Rs and four Cs (critical thinking and problem solving, communication, collaboration and creativity and innovation). While leading districts and schools are already doing this, P21 advocates for local, state and federal policies that support this approach for every school.

The main objective of Walker's term will be focused on leading the organization through a transition to the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), as well as the hiring of a new executive director for P21.

In addition, Walker will focus on the re-authorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), most notably including the four Cs – critical thinking and problem solving, collaboration, communication and creativity and innovation – within the legislation. Further, as states look at implementing the Common Core State Standards, Walker will guide P21 as it helps states create next generation assessments.

Walker stated, "With the education, cultural and economic landscape shifting dramatically within the United States, it is even more important to ensure 21st century readiness for every student."

Joining Walker on the strategic council as vice chair is Lillian Kellogg, vice president of the Education Networks of America. Matt Williams, senior director of national advocacy and partnerships for KnowledgeWorks Foundation, will become the new treasurer and Bob Regan, director, worldwide primary and secondary education for Adobe Systems Incorporated, was elected secretary.

The American Association of School Librarians, www.aasl.org, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), promotes the improvement and extension of library services in elementary and secondary schools as a means of strengthening the total education program. Its mission is to advocate excellence, facilitate change and develop leaders in the school library field.