AASL institute at Midwinter aligns standards with P21 framework
Contact: Melissa Jacobsen
AASL Communications Specialist
(312) 280-4381
mjacobsen@ala.org
NEWS
For Immediate Release
November 24, 2009
CHICAGO – The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Premidwinter Institute will focus on helping school library media specialists align AASL's "Standards for the 21st-Century Learner" with the Partnership for 21st Century Skills' (P21) framework. To find out more information about AASL at ALA 2010 Midwinter Meetings, visit
www.ala.org/aasl/midwinter.
"Bringin' 'Em On! 21st-Century Skills Aligning with Standards" will guide attendees in best practices for infusing 21st century skills into their school or district's curriculum. Led by Pam Berger, this institute will be especially helpful for states that have signed on as P21 leadership states. "This institute is essential for school library media specialists and administrators in P21 states" said Berger. "If you are ready to incorporate AASL's standards and P21's framework into your school, or if you plan to get started in 2010, this institute should be the first stop on your journey to incorporating 21st century skills into your curriculum."
During the institute attendees will explore the differences as well as the alignments between AASL's standards and P21's framework. Most importantly, discussion will center on  skills students will need in the future, as well how these resources empower students to address the world they will face. Attendees will leave the institute with a customized plan of action to implement 21st century skills into their curriculum.
Pam Berger is a library consultant with 20 years of school library experience. She is publisher and editor of Information Searcher and an adjunct instructor at Syracuse University iSchool. She is also the author of three books and many journal articles on literacy and technology. Her blog, Infosearcher, offers updates on new resources, strategies and tips on developing 21st century literacy. She is also the chair of the AASL's popular “Best Websites for Teaching and Learning,” which identifies Web sites that foster the qualities of innovation, creativity, active participation and collaboration.
Online registration for this institute is now open. Prices for the institute are AASL member: $189; AASL retired member: $179, AASL student member: $159; ALA member: $229; and nonmember: $279. To register for the AASL Premidwinter Institute, visit
www.ala.org/midwinter.  Â
The American Association of School Librarians,
www.aasl.org, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), promotes the improvement and extension of library media 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 media field.
