On August 24, 2022, PreK and Kindergarten teachers came together across the region to participate in a workshop centered around CRSE, Play-Based Learning using the Media Kits, and Family Engagement/Involvement.
 
During this workshop, teachers began to understand the work around the Culturally Responsive Sustaining Education Framework in which a cultural view of learning and human development in which multiple expressions of diversity (e.g. race, social class, gender, language, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, ability, etc.) are recognized and regarded as assets for teaching and learning. Teachers shared the many ways they already acknowledge culture in their classrooms and began exploring new ideas and ways to build on that culture in their classroom and with other stakeholders in their districts. 
 
Teachers also had the opportunity to explore the vast number of Media Kits that are available from CABOCES including SEL Kits, Fairy Tales, Dinosaurs, block building, Legos, community helpers, etc. Collaborative time between teachers and school districts allowed for sharing of ideas, lesson planning conversations, theme and holiday schedules, classroom management tips, and academic success strategies.
 
Finally, teachers participated in engaging discussions about family involvement and engagement in student education and learning.  Participants shared goals for the upcoming school year which will be revisited when we meet again on November 8, 2022.

By: Kelli Spink, CA BOCES Professional Development

The International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) recently released its 2021 Trend Report which highlights the future of the library field as it relates to political, economic, social, cultural and technological trends. One trend is the Impatient User. 

Schools are utilizing ClassLink and other SSOs so students can avoid multiple log-ins. This convenience supports quick and easy access to a variety of tools, however, does not easily transfer when searching for reliable information.  If students cannot quickly locate what they need, it’s expected they will try a new search in which fast results typically provide less reliable sources and information. . Another trend is data domination through artificial intelligence.

Artificial intelligence shapes what a user sees when they access services through a wi-fi connected device.  Advertisements are targeted based on user interests and search history and creates a limited perspective.  School librarians are poised to help fellow educators and students navigate these two trends with resources offered through Project Look Sharp.

Ithaca College’s Project Look Sharp offers free lessons on how to decode media messages. Media includes journal and news articles, news programs, and advertisements. Helpful charts guide students through questions that not only help analyze media that has been created, but also when students (and educators) are creating media for sharing.  These charts can be accessed at  https://www.projectlooksharp.org and can be used effectively when helping students navigate bullying and building resiliency.

Some categories for inquiry and reflection include:

• Authorship & Purposes

-     Who made this and for what purpose?
-     What do they want me to do, think or feel?
-     Who is the target audience?

• Economics
  • Who paid for this?
  • Who might be making money from this and how?
• Content
  • What are the messages about?
  • What values, ideas and biases are overt or implied?
  • What is left out that might be important to know?
  • Whose voices are included and whose are left out?
  • How does this compare to other messages on this topic?
• Effects
  • How does this make me feel and why?
  • What impact might this have on others or on society?
  • Who might this message benefit? Who might it harm? 

​Helping students navigate the barrage of information requires more than basic information literacy skills.  If you wish to know more about Project Look Sharp, please contact me at Cecelia_Fuoco@caboces.org.

By: Cece Fuoco, CA BOCES Learning Resources