Ohio Media Spectrum Journal of the Ohio Educational Library Media Association
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Ohio Media Spectrum Journal of the Ohio Educational Library Media Association Getting Back to Our Roots—Engaging Students with Literature Fall 2016 Volume 68, Number 1 Ohio Media Spectrum Fall 2016, Vol. 68, No. 1 Ohio Media Spectrum is a nationally recognized professional journal in the field of educational library/media services. This journal received the Ohio Educational Library Media Association American Library Association/HW Wilson Company Library Periodical Award in 1989 and the American 17 South High Street - Suite 200 Association of School Librarians EmerGency Librarian Columbus, Ohio 43215 Publication Award in 1990 and 1992. These national Phone: 614.228.4733 - Fax: 614.221.1989 awards were presented because, among identified Email: [email protected] values, this journal promotes excellence, is of consistently high quality, and successfully addresses the Organizational information is available on the professional needs of OELMA members. OELMA website: www.oelma.org The circulation of the Ohio Media Spectrum journal is approximately 800. It has been a refereed journal since January 1, 1986. Manuscripts are judged by at least two Executive Committee reviewers in a blind review process. President Liz Deskins OELMA Publications Vice President Kelly Silwani Past President Angela Wojtecki Mark Tuel, MA – Editor Secretary Karen Gedeon LMS, Mount Vernon City Schools – Retired Treasurer Lisa Barnes Prince 2016 Peer Review Committee Director of Services Kate Brunswick Director Representative Michelle Smart Sheila Campbell, MLIS LMS, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Directors Jessica Klinker, MLIS Head Librarian, Franklin Heights High School Central Kristine Konik, Brandi Young South-Western City Schools East Lisa Garrison, Susan Mongold Susan Yutzey, PhD Northeast Jenni Holt, Michelle Smart LMS, Upper Arlington City Schools – Retired Northwest Laura Franck South Karen George, Andrea Owens ISSN 0192-6492. Published online annually in the fall. West Krista Guy, Kim Hamlin Subscription included in annual membership dues. Past issues of the Ohio Media Spectrum may be obtained StandinG Committee Chairs by sending $13.50 U.S. per copy to the Ohio Educational Library Media Association. Inquiries relating to new Budget and Finance Lisa Barnes Prince subscriptions or change of contact information should be addressed to: Bylaws and Policy Susan Yutzey Membership Jessica Klinker Ohio Educational Library Media Association Nominating Angela Wojtecki 17 South High Street – Suite 200 Scholarship and Awards Christina Dorr, Columbus, Ohio 43215 Marie Sabol Phone: 614.228.4733 – Fax: 614.221.1989 Email: [email protected] Appointments and Liaisons Inquiries about submitting manuscripts should be directed to the editor by email at [email protected]. Liaison – INFOhio Emily Rozmus Inquiries concerning advertising should be directed to the OELMA office at the address above. Liaison – KSU Meghan Harper Liaison – ODE Stephanie Donofe Submission deadline for this issue: July 15, 2016 Reenvisioning Team Susan Yutzey Spectrum Editor Mark Tuel Online access to current and archival issues is available for members only through the OELMA website at www.oelma.org. Members will need to use their OELMA user ID and password. Page 2 Ohio Media Spectrum Fall 2016, Vol. 68, No. 1 Table of Contents Title Page A Message from the President: ESSA .............................................................. 4 Liz Deskins A Message from the Vice President: OELMA Conference 2016 ...................... 6 Kelly Silwani Celebrating Summer Reading .......................................................................... 8 Beth Walsh-Moorman and Amy Myers Digital Book Clubs: Breaking Barriers .............................................................. 20 Sarah Downing Two Reading Events ........................................................................................ 24 OELMA LitCon 2016—Lori Guerrini OELMA Partners with Ohioana Library for Book Festival—Susan Yutzey New & Noteworthy Events & Resources ......................................................... 30 Sheila Campbell The School Library’s Impact on Independent Reading and Achievement ....... 36 Sue Subel How Battle of the Books Evolved in a Small Community to Make Reading More Exciting and Fun ..................................................................................... 40 Sharon Tharp Using Literature to Help Students Who Hurt .................................................. 45 Meghan Harper 2016 OELMA Award Honorees ........................................................................ 58 Page 3 Ohio Media Spectrum Fall 2016, Vol. 68, No. 1 A MessaGe About ESSA from OELMA President Liz Deskins What is ESSA and how does it affect you? Much is being said and written about ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act), but what does that have to do with your district, your library, or you? It could mean a lot if you are able to take advantage of it. Here are the parts of the bill that affect school libraries along with tips to use them to the advantage of your library. This is the first thing you need to understand: “ESSA authorizes—but does not require—school districts to include in their plans how they will develop effective school library programs to provide students an opportunity to improve digital literacy skills and improve academic achievement” (Texas State Library and Archives Commission, 2016). This is your opportunity to let your district know the power of a great school library program. How can you do this? By showcasing programs you offer, great classes you teach—or better yet—co-teach. Be sure you are demonstrating the importance of teaching digital literacy skills and collecting statistics on how your work positively impacts academic achievement. Don’t forget to share your good ideas with others on the OELMA listserv! Here is a rundown of the parts of ESSA that can support school libraries: Title II, Part A: Supporting Effective Instruction “ESSA includes new provisions that authorize states and districts to use grant and subgrant funds to support instructional services provided by school library programs” (Texas State Library and Archives Commission, 2016). This is your opportunity to get involved in professional development. You can scope out the conferences or workshops available on topics that support your building and/or district initiatives and volunteer to attend and present new ideas to your staff. The 2016 OELMA Conference, October 12-14, is a great one to attend! Literacy K-12, including digital literacy; 1:1 initiatives; and makerspaces are just a few trending topics upon which you could become an expert and guide your staff. Title II, Part B, Subpart 2: Literacy Education for All, Results for the Nation (LEARN) “This is a NEW PROGRAM under ESSA that provides support to states to develop, revise, or update comprehensive literacy instruction plans. States award competitive subgrants to districts for activities that focus on K-5 and 6-12. ESSA specifically authorizes school librarians to participate in required grant activities for both K-5 and 6-12. ESSA allows all local subgrants to be used to provide teachers and school librarians time to meet, plan, and collaborate on comprehensive literacy instruction” (Texas State Library and Archives Commission, 2016). You should offer to be a part of the grant writing team and write yourself in! Finding grant money that creates time to collaborate? ... About literacy? This is right up our alley and a wonderful way to build connections within our buildings. Title IV, Part A: Student Support and Academic Enrichment Grants (Block Grant) “ESSA authorizes a new program to provide Student Support and Academic Enrichment activities (commonly referred to as the ‘Block Grant’ under ESSA) to help States and school Page 4 Ohio Media Spectrum Fall 2016, Vol. 68, No. 1 districts target federal resources on locally designed priorities. Funds are allocated to States, then districts, based on their share of Title I, Part A funding (a formula based on poverty). ESSA authorizes—but does not require—States to use funds to assist school districts in providing programs and activities that increase access to personalized, rigorous learning experiences supported by technology, including adequate ‘access to school libraries.’ [Okay, here’s the great part!] ESSA also authorizes—but does not require—States to use funds to assist school districts in providing school librarians and other school personnel with the knowledge and skills to use technology effectively, including effective integration of technology, to improve instruction and student achievement” (Texas State Library and Archives Commission, 2016).This may allow us, if we all work together, to regain some of those school librarians we have lost in the last few years. Yes, the ESSA is a very exciting opportunity for us. But we cannot sit back and wait for school administrators to come to us asking for our help. We must collect the necessary resources and data and go to them. You may not feel like you have the power to do this, but that is where OELMA and you together can make a powerful connection. I am creating a virtual task force to help develop several important tools that will help school librarians in Ohio. This task force will develop an effective school library program rubric. We will offer the Ohio Department of Education this tool to share with districts. This committee will also create talking points and handouts school librarians can use when approaching administrators in our districts.