The 2009 ISLMA Conference has come and gone already. There was a lot of energy, sharing, and networking.
One session that really fired me up was Standards for the 21st Century Learner: A Sample K-12 Library Curriculum led by Becky Robinson, Christy Semande, and Angie Green. The room was packed to overflowing, so clearly it was a session that many others were interested in as well. The ISAIL (Illinois Standards Aligned Instruction for Libraries) draft document was presented. What an amazing amount of work has gone into creating the document so far! The document is organized in four levels: grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and high school, and uses four library & information standards as a framework. Each standard and level then is divided with library benchmarks, objectives, and aligned with Illinois State Learning Standards and AASL Standards for the 21st Century Learner. The working group is looking for feedback and to bring other librarians into the fold to continue to work on the resource. Definitely check out the ISAIL wiki where you’ll find the document as well as supporting resources.
I really liked the metaphor that Christy talked about during the presentation. This document is meant to be a framework or a foundation for library programs. From that foundation each school library and librarian may build a different house. This effort is attempting to give us a common language and foundation to build upon and to clearly demonstrate that we are teachers working in all areas of the curriculum.
Another powerful lesson I was reminded of is the power and importance of professional learning networks. I posted to the my local library networking group about a handout for a session I was unable to attend. Several people responded quickly with offers to get me the requested information. Many of the session handouts have also been posted at the Conference Presentation wiki.
Thanks to all the conference committee folks who put together such a successful event!
Erin Wyatt, Highland Middle School, Libertyville
