Learner Centered Literacy

"We keep students as our central focus"

- DASD Culture statement

Although the work of librarians and library programs include diverse activities, programs, and goals, students will always remain the central focus of our work. With that, literacy, will always remain the most vital goal of librarians and library work...

Ongoing Focus: District-Wide Reading Culture

DASD Values that align with this focus:

Mission - The mission of the DeForest Area School District is to provide an excellent education and engage, challenge, and inspire all students to pursue their full potential.
Vision - The DeForest Area School District is committed to a culture that honors knowledge, respects individuals, demands excellence, fosters life-long learning, and supports relationships that strengthen individuals, families and community.

Current Practices

Maintains inclusive collections that celebrate diverse experiences and representation, supports high interest selections, promotes digital resources, and supports a wide range of learners, abilities, and needs including social-emotional growth
Responds to requests for books and technology that supports a district-wide reading culture
Provide instruction that centers around literacy, empower students to foster their love of reading and access through training our Destiny Database
Guided by the statements in the ALA Library Bill of Rights

“Books are sometimes windows, offering views of worlds that may be real or imagined, familiar or strange. These windows are also sliding glass doors, and readers have only to walk through in imagination to become part of whatever world has been created or recreated by the author. When lighting conditions are just right, however, a window can also be a mirror. Literature transforms human experience and reflects it back to us, and in that reflection we can see our own lives and experiences as part of a larger human experience. Reading, then, becomes a means of self-affirmation, and readers often seek their mirrors in books.”

- DR. RUDINE SIMS BISHOP

DASD Libraries Circulation Statistics (3 year overview)

Opportunties for Growth

Create an end of the year report to provide circulation statistics from each school in order to share with families, staff, and stakeholders
Establish and maintain a district-wide reading culture including inspiring and supporting the reading lives of teachers and developing a closer integration with classroom programming
Include all stakeholders in the development of the district-wide reading culture
Support students as creators of information and ideas including makerspaces and co-teaching

Ongoing Focus: Literacy Initiatives

DASD Values that align with this focus:

Vision - The DeForest Area School District is committed to a culture that honors knowledge, respects individuals, demands excellence, fosters life-long learning, and supports relationships that strengthen individuals, families and community.
Belief Statement: Learning Environment - We believe collaboration between family, school, and community is necessary to sustain a successful learning environment.
Our Culture - We create an environment for students and staff that promotes understanding, respect, and celebration of individuality and diversity.
Our Culture - We incorporate joy, fun, and humor in what we do.

Current Practices

All School Reads
Family Literacy Nights
Guest Authors
Book clubs
Reading Recesses
Battle of the Books
March Madness
Collaboration with DeForest Area Public Library especially regarding summer reading
Developing diverse connections to engage reader's interest and connect to curriculum

Opportunities for Growth

Partner with stakeholders (esp. families) to enact literacy events
Ensure equitable access to literacy events and celebrations at all schools
Engage all relevant district departments, leaders, and content areas to connect with district initiatives and cultural elements
Use research-based reasoning and support to establish the need for student-centered, community-inclusive literacy events
Create and share library reports for each site

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