AASL releases guide to develop inclusive learners and citizens

CHICAGO – The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) has released a new resource guide to support school librarians in nurturing inclusive learning communities. “Developing Inclusive Learners and Citizens Activity Guide” contains reflection activities and resources based on Include, one of the six Shared Foundations contained within AASL's "National School Library Standards." The guide, along with supporting materials, can be downloaded at standards.aasl.org/project/inclusive.

Inside the guide, practitioners will find scenarios, activities, and resources school librarians and learners can use to seek balanced perspectives, global learning, empathy, tolerance, and equity. Included with the guide is a collection of activities and web resources to support professional development and instruction; an infographic on the importance of inclusive instruction and environments for learners; and scenarios for learners, school librarians, and school libraries reflecting each of the four Domains (Think, Create, Share, and Grow).

"School librarians are the conduit for equity, access, knowledge, and, yes, kindness for all learners," said Kathryn Roots Lewis, immediate past president. "The school library is a place of inclusion, where all learners can explore their own story, gaining awareness and celebrating who they are. This guide is a must-have resource as school librarians implement the Include Shared Foundation." 

The guide and supporting resources were developed by the 2019 ALA Emerging Leaders team consisting of Corey Hall, Matthew King, Beth Raff, Jhenelle Robinson, and Bianca Spurlock, with AASL member guide Robert Hilliker. The team presented the guide, infographic, and applied framework during the 2019 ALA Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. The team will also present a session on the guide during the 2019 AASL National Conference taking place Nov. 14-16, 2019, in Louisville, Kentucky.

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