Preconferences at AASL National Conference offer first look at new school library standards

CHICAGO – Before the conference officially starts, attendees of the AASL National Conference & Exhibition have the opportunity to delve into the new “National School Library Standards” by attending their choice of three standards-dedicated preconferences. The conference, themed “Beyond the Horizon,” will be held Nov. 9-11, in Phoenix, Arizona. Full conference details can be found at national.aasl.org.

Attending a preconference will enable participants to explore AASL’s new standards and implementation resources with the school librarians who researched and wrote the documents in an intimate and concentrated setting. Additionally, all AASL preconference participants will receive a copy of the standards publication as part of their workshop registration fee.

Half-day preconference options include:

• Investigate Your National School Library Standards for School Librarians
  Wed., November 8 | 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  Collaboratively design an implementation plan for school librarian practice around the new “National School Library Standards.” Participants will leave with immediately usable action steps and strategies for incorporating the standards in their everyday practice.

• Investigate Your National School Library Standards for Learners
  Thurs., Nov. 9 | 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  Explore how the new "National School Library Standards" transform student learning. Participants will leave this session with a clear understanding of how to navigate the standards and how to begin connecting the elements of the AASL Standards Integrated Frameworks to powerful student learning.

• Investigate Your National School Library Standards for School Libraries
  Thurs., Nov. 9 | 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
  Create a vision and develop strategies for innovative school library implementation of the AASL Standards Integrated Frameworks. Participants will leave the workshop with an understanding of how standards-based school libraries align with the whole-school curriculum and mission.

Full preconference descriptions, presenters and registration rates are available at national.aasl.org. Advance registration is recommended. On-site registration will be allowed pending availability.

The AASL National Conference & Exhibition is the only national conference dedicated solely to the needs of school librarians and their roles as educational leaders. “Beyond the Horizon,” taking place Nov. 9-11, 2017, in Phoenix, Arizona, will feature preconference workshops, concurrent sessions, and an exhibition featuring companies relevant to the profession. Those communicating about the national conference are encouraged to use the official hashtag, #aasl17.

The American Association of School Librarians, www.aasl.org, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), empowers leaders to transform teaching and learning.