In today’s interconnected, interdependent world, global learning is critical to our state’s success. More than 210 languages are spoken in Minnesota’s schools. Global is now local. All students need to be globally competent as they enter the workforce, business, and post-secondary education and live in the communities of Minnesota. AStatewide Strategic Plan for Global Learning inclusive of all stakeholders impacting PK-12 education will be the first step in this process. This includes: PK-12 and post secondary educators, business partners, government and community organizations.
We invite you to participate in the trans-formative work undertaken by the Global Learning Advisory Board established to address the challenges and opportunities of an interconnected world. Through keynotes by Tony Jackson and national and state leaders, and breakout sessions for various stakeholders, participants will learn from and be involved in reflective dialogue. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 9th from 8-4:30 p.m. at St. Cloud State University in the Atwood Memorial Center (AMC) ballroom. The cost to participate will be $25. For registration and program details, please visit: http://globallearningsummit.eventbrite.com/#
The 2013 Branch Out Conference will be held July 31-August 1, 2013, in Maple Grove, Minnesota.
Branch Out is a biannual conference, which began in 1992, designed by and for library paraprofessionals, support staff, and media specialists. Its purpose is to bring library staff from around Minnesota together for career development and networking opportunities. Learn more on the Branch Out Conference Blog »
Marcel Proust was quoted as saying, “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.” Travel can be a wonderful experiential learning tool. However, not everyone is able to invest the time and money necessary to travel. Edudemic posted a list of ten virtual resources to (re) discover the American West. Travel online along rivers, across deserts and over mountains-west.
Tip: This is a wonderful research tool for students and future explorers; Classify the biology of indigenous plants or animals living in national parks and monuments; Study the social divergence of California cultures; Learn the history of the “American West”; and more.
This April, more than 800 people attended the 25th Annual Book Awards Gala in Minnesota. The Friends of the St. Paul Library announced the 2013 Annual Book Award winners in 8 categories.
Since 1988, Common Good Books has sponsored the Kay Sexton awards given to an individual or organization who is dedicated to fostering books, reading and literary activity within Minnesota. Robert Hedin, founding director of the Anderson Center for Interdisciplinary Studies is the 2013 honoree. Click here to learn more about Kay Sexton Award winners.
Also this month the Minnesota Center for Book Arts (MCBA) recognized Jana Pullman as the winner of the 2013 Minnesota Book Artist Award. This award is presented to a Minnesota book artist or book artist collaborative group for excellence throughout a body of work, as well as significant contributions to Minnesota’s book arts community.
It is still April and a month long celebration of school media specialists, AKA teacher librarians. We received lots of positive feedback about our April 3rd post on 100 Things Kids Will Miss if they Don’t Have a Teacher Librarian in their School so thought our readers may want more of the same. Never stammer if asked what you do….have your elevator speech ready! To help you formulate or flesh out that speech, we recently uncovered another great document authored by Dr. Joyce Valenza/teacher-librarian at Springfield Township High School in Erdenheim, Pennsylvania and Gwyneth A. Jones, teacher-librarian at Murray Hill Middle School, Laurel, Maryland. Check out their document, titled What Do TL’s Teach?
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