Online learning tool encourages parent engagement in school libraries
Interactive, web-based platform promotes student success through school libraries
NEWS RELEASE
http://www.accessola2.com/Parent_Engagement/story.html
TORONTO, ON (December 5, 2013) The Ontario Library Association (OLA), in partnership with Engage Literacy Inc., has launched a free, interactive tutorial that identifies the importance of school libraries in student success.
[ACCESS THE TUTORIAL: www.accessola2.com/Parent_
Engagement/story.html]
“Research shows school libraries have a positive impact on student success and contribute to higher scores on provincial standardized testing,” says Shelagh Paterson, Executive Director, Ontario Library Association.
The 15-minute online tutorial, entitled 21st Century School Libraries, Parent Engagement and Student Achievement, empowers parents to support school libraries and thus encourage reading engagement and information literacy with their children. It contains information on how parents can support libraries in their child’s school, and resources that can help to plan literacy-based events for children, including lunchtime book clubs and family literacy events.
“Today’s school library staff go far beyond promoting literacy,” says Stacey Carcao, parent, and co-founder of Engage Literacy Inc. “They also teach children inquiry skills and technology know-how that they can use to navigate the online world safely.”
The tutorial was made possible through funding from the Ministry of Education’s Parents Reaching Out grant. Parents of students in the elementary and secondary school system will also learn new information about the status of school libraries and what they can do to keep this vital, yet underfunded, program highly visible in the school community.
Teacher-librarians, library staff and school councils can access this tutorial to engage parents on the important functions of 21st century school libraries. Parents and parent councils can use the tutorial to advocate and collaborate on the creation of a literacy-rich environment in their schools.
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About the Ontario Library Association: The Ontario Library Association (OLA) is a centre of excellence for the library and information sector, with nearly 5,000 members who work in public, school, academic and special libraries. OLA enables members to advocate for the right of individuals to have free and equitable access to information. Our members research, develop and participate in educational programs designed to provide exemplary library services. Signature OLA events include the annual Super Conference and the Forest of Reading® program.
About Engage Literacy: Engage Literacy Inc. promotes and advocates for Canadian public school libraries and enhances 21st century learning. They are dedicated to engaging parents in their children’s education through library and literacy events, and strive to facilitate the home/school connection with innovative, engaging initiatives.”
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