Reading should not be presented to children as a chore, a duty. It should be offered as a gift. - Kate DiCamillo
“You don’t have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them.” - Ray Bradbury
Twenty-four years as an educator has taught me that our age of standardized testing has left many students lacking in literacy skills, such as media literacy. While students can perform a Google search, they cannot determine reliable websites or news sources. As a librarian, my goal is to instill a love for reading within students as well as teach them the effective use of technology.
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According to the American Library Association, the following shared foundations and commitments are necessary for student success in the twenty-first century:
1. Build new knowledge by inquiring, thinking critically, identifying problems, and developing strategies for solving problems
2. Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to inclusiveness and respect for diversity in the learning community.
3. Work effectively with others to broaden perspectives and work toward common goals.
4. Make meaning for oneself and others by collecting, organizing, and sharing resources of personal relevance.
5. Discover and innovate in a growth mindset developed through experience and reflection.
6. Demonstrate safe, legal, and ethical creating and sharing of knowledge products independently while engaging in a community of practice and an interconnected world.