This content reflects work done as part of the Indigenous Perspectives in School Librarianship (IPSL) grant funded by IMLS (RE-246303-OLS-20). Actual assignments may vary.

Module Objectives

  • Become familiar and comfortable with the online environment for the course.
  • Introduce yourself and get to know your classmates.
  • Identify trends in school libraries.
  • Articulate the principles behind the integration of Indian Education for All and Alaska Cultural Standards in this course and school library practice.

Think

Required: Explore of all the following.

Option: Choose three or more of the following.

Mission & Vision Statements
Standards & Regulations

Create

Independently, outside of the course readings (you may wish to use the MSU Library), locate a resource that describes a trend in PK-12 education. Make sure the resource is current enough to be relevant. Be prepared to share the resource you located, summarize it, and explain how the trend applies to school libraries and what it might mean for your practice.

Share

In the introductions discussion board, address the following prompt.

Be sure to put your name in the subject line of your post (i.e., James Hill Introduction).

  • Where do you live and what Indigenous populations reside in your area? If you are unsure, use Native-Land.ca to do some investigating.
  • What is your current position? What is your background in education? Share your familiarity with Indian Education for All and/or the Alaska Cultural Standards.
  • Share one or more of your personal interests.
  • Add a picture. It can be of you, your family, your pet, whatever you’d like. Something to help your classmates connect to you.

In the module discussion board, share the resource you reviewed in the Create section.

Provide the following: a link to the resource, a summary, an explanation of how the trend applies to school libraries, an analysis of what the trend might mean for your practice as a school librarian. Be sure to cite your source(s) AND include reference to the relevant National School Library Standards and/or cultural standards in your analysis. You may wish to review “How Do I Read the Standards?” to assist with properly referencing standards by number (e.g., Librarian II.B.3).

Use the name of the trend (e.g., makerspaces, trauma informed practice, etc.) in your discussion post subject line. If you examined the same trend as a classmate, do not start a new thread, but rather respond to their post and add your own thoughts on the issue.

Grow

Complete the module checklist and answer the reflection questions and submit to your instructor per their directions. If you do not believe a statement is true, do not check the box. This is a check in and an opportunity to get assistance from the instructor; it is not graded work. Note that some of the checklist items will repeat each week, while others are unique to the specific module.

Checklist

Think
  • I have read the syllabus and specifically noted the deadlines and assessment mechanisms for the course.
  • I have explored all the Think resources for the module.
  • I understand the scope of this course.
  • I can explain the importance of a mission or vision statement.
  • I can explain the purpose of IEFA and Alaska Cultural Standards in relationship to school libraries and this program.
Create
  • I have an emergent understanding of trends in school librarianship.
Share
  • I have posted to the discussion boards as required.
  • I am taking steps to connect with classmates.
  • I have cited sources within my discussion posts where appropriate.
Grow
  • I realize that self-assessment is an important component of this class and a worthwhile goal.
  • I am aware that I must contact the instructor as soon as possible if I know that I will be late in turning in an assignment.
  • I am aware that I must reach out to the instructor if I have any questions or concerns regarding the course.

Reflection Questions

  • What questions do you have about the course content in this module? (None is not an acceptable answer; exert your curiosity!)
  • What is your biggest take away from this module?