CHICAGO – The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) has released a new resource guide to support school librarians inspiring future generations of explorers. “Developing Reflective Explorers and Innovators” contains activities, resources, and professional development based on the Explore Shared Foundation in the AASL “National School Library Standards.” The guide, along with supporting materials, can be downloaded at standards.aasl.org/project/explorers.
The activity guide was designed to illustrate challenges school librarians commonly face when helping learners develop the necessary skills to become effective explorers. Inside the guide, practitioners will find a comprehensive range of scenarios and activities for learners, school librarians, and school libraries organized by the AASL Standards four Domains—Think, Create, Share, and Grow. Content included is intended to cultivate learners’ curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.
“School librarians champion each learner’s right to read freely and take charge of their own learning,” said Mary Keeling, AASL Immediate Past President. “We are committed to the idea that learners have the freedom to ‘discover and innovate in a growth mindset.’ Yet, a growth mindset doesn’t just happen, and this learning guide is an excellent tool to guide librarians in their own professional growth journey as they dig into the Explore Shared Foundation. Packed with scenarios involving relatable people, settings, problems, and learning exercises, this guide can foster school librarians’ professional growth as they transform teaching and learning.”
The guide and supporting resources were developed by the 2020 ALA Emerging Leaders team consisting of Jamie Becker, Nathalie DeFelice, Jermaine Dennis, Monika Glowacka-Musial, Anna Kay, Jessica Regitano, and Nick Weingardt, with AASL member guide Devona Pendergrass. The team will participate in a final Emerging Leaders session during the virtual 2021 ALA Annual Conference. A short video about the guide, infographic, and applied framework will be shared on the Emerging Leaders web page prior to the start of ALA Annual Conference.
The American Association of School Librarians, www.aasl.org, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), empowers leaders to transform teaching and learning.
Originally published at https://www.ala.org/news/member-news/2021/04/aasl-releases-guide-inspire-future-generations-explorers
