"How do schools connect to the real world so so that students may prepare for the real world? One door to the real world, the world outside of school, is the library." (Baird, Why Are Libraries Critical for Common Core Success, 2014). There are many ways school libraries can support student success, especially with the implementation of the new Common Core State Standards. While the new standards can be widely misunderstood, a school librarian, and library professionals, can be the front line for aligning school resources, both print and digital to the new standards.
Two specific roles for school libraries can be pairing non-fiction with classroom literature. Our school libraries are filled with titles of informational text that are both appealing and relevant. Our library professionals can support teachers by helping them find resources that can support classroom instruction. School libraries can also support real-world extensions and research in all classrooms for our middle schools and high schools. With the new CCSS, a shift towards reading more non-fiction is occurring. One-half of all reading across the school day should be non-fiction.
In order for schools to see their students succeed to their fullest, they should use their school libraries and library professionals to their fullest. The updated school library should maintain a range of books on all non-fiction unit content areas, maintain audio, video and digital resources, and be ready to support students in their use of all resources, both print and digital.
Resources:
Baird, K.E. (2014). "Why Are Libraries Critical for Common Core Success?" CSLA Journal
38(1) 7-9
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