Libraries
January 29th, 2009: Researchers at
Queen's University and People for Education release a new
reportExemplary Elementary School Libraries in Ontario
School libraries have the potential to transform schools, to increase literacy and improve student achievement.
Our study found that exemplary school libraries are the central hub of their schools, prominently placed and central place of activity and learning. The teacher-librarians are leaders in their school and outstanding teachers. Both the library and the teacher-librarian are recognized as playing a critical role in supporting the educational outcomes of the school.
Students in these schools report high levels of satisfaction and engagement with their school libraries. They are active readers and the majority also want to have more opportunities to use the school library.
The study identified a number of ongoing challenges including
funding and policy to support school libraries.
One of the most practical findings in the study was that the
support of the elementary school principal was found to be vital.
Without support of the elementary school principal, exemplary
school libraries cannot exist.
View the research team's powerpoint presentation, presented Jan.29/09 at the Library Superconference in the Metro Convention Centre. (It may take a minute to download.)
About
Video Interviews!
TVO recorded great interviews / discussions at our conference!
Watch them now, or share them at your next school council meeting!!!!
Interviews with:
Minister of Education
Annie Kidder
Charles Pascal (Early Learning)
Testing the Pros and the Cons (Panel Discussion)
Watch them now, or share them at your next school council meeting!!!!
Interviews with:
Minister of Education
Annie Kidder
Charles Pascal (Early Learning)
Testing the Pros and the Cons (Panel Discussion)
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Ontario Needs a Coalit...
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Tech communication hel...
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21st Century Schools @...
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Special Education
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Book Chat
Add your book chat here by emailing:
jan@peopleforeducation.com
October 4, 2009
Not so long ago I chanced upon a tv interview with Sarah Vowell. She was talking about her new book The Wordy Shipmates and she was funny and intriguing enough that I picked up the book. Not only has she written a number of books, she is also the voice of Violet in the animated film The Incredibles and contributes regularly to the This American Life on Chicago Public Radio
Although I was reading for amusement, information and stories, once again I bumped into education!
The Wordy Shipmates is about the Puritans in the 17 century and Sarah Vowell's childhood in the 20th century and life now in the 21st. The book is a delightful flow of ideas and customs that weave through the narrative of American life. Education was there at the beginning
...Continue....
Join the conversation at Book Chat
jan@peopleforeducation.com
October 4, 2009
Not so long ago I chanced upon a tv interview with Sarah Vowell. She was talking about her new book The Wordy Shipmates and she was funny and intriguing enough that I picked up the book. Not only has she written a number of books, she is also the voice of Violet in the animated film The Incredibles and contributes regularly to the This American Life on Chicago Public Radio
Although I was reading for amusement, information and stories, once again I bumped into education!
The Wordy Shipmates is about the Puritans in the 17 century and Sarah Vowell's childhood in the 20th century and life now in the 21st. The book is a delightful flow of ideas and customs that weave through the narrative of American life. Education was there at the beginning
...Continue....
Join the conversation at Book Chat
Latest Activity
I apologize. I am eager to read other people's contributions but Sheila's question really got me thinking and I wanted to share my thoughts.
I think that Sam’s blog – “the Purpose of Education – Revised” is a valuable contribution to this discuss...
It appears I will have to say something about my editorial decisions, though it takes away from the flow of thought about which I will now write.
I have wrestled with the whole idea of censorship and freedom of expression, but I have come to the r...
I really like what you have shared here, Anthony. I am going to mull this over some more, and as you have said/suggested, our education system is focused on producing workers. So for now, I would like to put the question "out there", why might the...
Hi Sam and all,
I wanted to come back and read all the posts today, as I was struck by a poster in the subway (which Sheila mentioned was coming) from Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. I really like your thesis, or whatever you would call it Sam...
Thank you for your feedback and link with great info Annie!
Our school board has already implemented many different clubs, including homework, cubs etc. into our schools in the hopes of having community hubs as it were. I believe this to be succe...
Hi Kevin,
This is a great question, and I look forward to hearing what other people have to say. Our research seems to indicate that it varies from school to school and board to board as to how fundraised money is handled. Since 2005, all fundrais...
“Institutions become dysfunctional when they do not accomplish the purposes for which they were created. Schools were created to be places of true learning, places where the true natures of children would be allowed to grow and flourish. By this d...
I'm gonna jump in here with a bit more clarification, because the questions Kevin asked are ones that I get asked all the time as the Parent Support Coordinator here at People for Education.
There are three main sources of funding for parent enga...
Hi Deborah,
I am new to this venue of discourse so forgive me if I am stating nothing new. My background is philosophy (ethics) and political theory. I am unfamiliar with Paolo Freire but now intend to read his book. The issue that stood out for ...
My view as a PIC chair is there are 2 bread and butter funding sources for parent involvement at the school level. The $500 and the pro-grants. Different PIC's have different ways of communicating with Parents/school councils- some directly throug...
Thanks for helping clear that up, Gord. Busy discussion here!
Gord, you have touched on something that I have been concerned with, and might be more so ahead in time. Just as "school councils" sometimes get the blame for things--when it is said no...
Hi Kevin
All principals handle the money differently. So the first thing to do is go and ask what his/her policy has been. Some just dock photocopying costs off the amount throughout the year, others hand it over, others keep it in the school bank...
Gord has it exactly right.
Hi Gord,
Thanks for the answer and clearing up my mis-understanding.
So if our Parent Council would go to our Principal and request the $500, we would then be allocated the $500 for parent engagement?
Our school does not have a PIC, nor do I think...
Kevin I believe the blunt answer to your question is School council's receive $500 for parent engagement.
Doesn't matter how many kids are in your school. You are confusing the money that is allocated at the Board level. The Board level money is u...
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