New Jersey Association of School Librarians (NJASL) Introduces Strategic Initiatives for 2012-2013 School Year

NJASL
Trenton, New Jersey n September 12, 2012 n The New Jersey Association of School Librarians (NJASL), the professional organization for school librarians in the state of New Jersey, today announced its strategic initiatives for the upcoming 2012-2013 school year. Set forth by the newly elected board, NJASL is committed to raising awareness of the value that resource-rich and well-staffed school libraries have on student achievement.
As part of their strategic initiatives, NJASL will focus on promoting how essential school library media specialists are in helping students meet the research and reading requirements of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). These standards were developed to prepare students to be independent learners who have the knowledge and skills that are necessary for success in college and careers. The standards focus on a depth of learning that goes beyond fact-finding and summarizing and requires students to research and analyze. With the rigorous demands of the CCSS, school library media specialists are fundamental to teaching and learning in today’s schools.
The Common Core State Standards Initiative is a state-led effort coordinated by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). The standards were developed in collaboration with teachers, school administrators, and experts to provide a clear and consistent framework to prepare students for college and the workforce.
“The initiatives outlined by NJASL underscore the importance of school library media specialists in preparing students for continuing education and future careers,” said Amy Rominiecki, Board President of the New Jersey Association of School Librarians. “In collaboration with school administrators and teachers, NJASL believes the Common Core State Standards can improve student learning in the library, classrooms, and in future endeavors.”
Additional priorities for the organization are aimed to further their mission of advocacy for higher standards of school librarianship and library media programs in New Jersey schools. These priorities include increasing member participation, continued partnership with the Department of Education to improve professional standards and providing educational opportunities to library media specialists for professional development.
The Common Core State Standards can be accessed online by visiting http://www.corestandards.org. For more information and to follow NJASL’s strategic initiatives, please follow us on Twitter and Facebook .
ABOUT NJASL
New Jersey Association of School Librarians (NJASL) is the professional organization for school librarians in the state of New Jersey. NJASL advocates high standards for librarianship and library media programs in the public, private, and parochial schools in New Jersey to ensure that students and staff become effective users of information. Learn more about New Jersey Association of School Librarians by visiting www.njasl.org, and join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter, @njasl.