GAPS Libraries Resource Update
January 30, 2026
Albany Public Library Focus Group Participants Needed
The Albany Public Library is in the process of creating a strategic plan to guide future programming and resource development, and they are looking for community members to join focus groups to help inform that work. If you are interested in sharing your thoughts with the APL Strategic Steering Committee, please fill out the form at this link. Thank you for your interest!
Black History Month Teaching Resources
These curated K–12 Black History Month resources from iCivics make it seamless to integrate essential stories into your curriculum, from elementary through high school. Plus, don't miss the brand-new, printable posters featuring inspiring quotes and artwork from the Quoting Democracy collection!
Read for the Record 20th Anniversary
Read for the Record® is the world’s largest shared reading experience, uniting millions to read the same book on the same day and raise awareness of early literacy. Now in its 20th year, this initiative connects caring volunteers with children to read aloud and distribute high-quality books, building foundational literacy skills and home libraries. By getting involved with this campaign, you will be instrumental in helping Jumpstart get high-quality books into the hands of children who need them most. The official Read for the Record day is February 26, and the 20th Anniversary book selection is See Marcus Grow. Resources and more information here!
Help Students Identify and Avoid AI-Generated "Pink Slime"
Somewhere between AI slop and fake news, pink slime sites and publications are increasing, but there are ways educators and their students can avoid it. Pink slime journalism is a term that refers to websites that masquerade as genuine local news sites, all the while pushing a specific political agenda. While the information in pink slime stories can be accurate, it often carries significant bias and doesn't qualify as real journalism. Read more here.
“Before you use AI” checklist
Put this on a slide or post it in your classroom:
Before you use AI, ask:
What am I responsible for learning here?
Am I using AI to support thinking, or replace it?
What claims do I need to verify with real sources?
What personal information am I sharing?
Oregon Middle School Math Statewide PLC
Middle school math educators are invited to join Oregon’s Middle School Math Statewide PLC, a virtual professional learning community designed to support the implementation of district‑adopted instructional materials in grades 6–8. Launching in March 2026, this statewide PLC brings together educators from across Oregon to strengthen math instruction through collaborative learning focused on proportions, fractions, geometry, and data reasoning. Sessions are grounded in Oregon State Standards and center ambitious, equitable instructional practices that support student engagement and understanding.
Toolkit to Support Evidence‑Based Algebra Instruction in Middle and High School
The Institute of Education Sciences (IES), through the Regional Educational Laboratories (REL), has released the Toolkit to Support Evidence‑Based Algebra Instruction in Middle and High School. This resource is a free, research‑aligned resource designed to strengthen algebra teaching and learning in grades 6–12. This toolkit translates research from the What Works Clearinghouse Teaching Strategies for Improving Algebra Knowledge in Middle and High School Students practice guide into practical, ready‑to‑use professional learning and classroom resources.
AI in Learning: Productive Support or Cognitive Crutch?
Not all struggle leads to learning. Making the distinction between productive and unproductive struggle is hard work. It requires educators to be honest about where healthy struggle actually happens and what parts of the task are just logistically difficult. This shift requires us to redesign tasks, rethink assessments, and sometimes let go of practices that feel rigorous but don’t meaningfully deepen understanding. Read more here.
A People's Playlist: U.S. History With Music As A Primary Source
A People’s Playlist: U.S. History with Music as a Primary Source is a High School U.S. History course that features American music as a source of historical inquiry. Created in partnership with the Library of Congress, the course comprises over 60 lessons covering a period of history from the Reconstruction Era to 2001, and aligns to NCSS standards for U.S. History. By investigating primary sources including recordings, photographs, and other musical artifacts, students discover important eras and moments in United States history through the diverse perspectives of its citizens. While analyzing music as a primary source, students come to understand how the diverse voices of “everyday” citizens were able to alter the trajectory of American history. By doing so, students leave the classroom empowered to contribute in meaningful ways to U.S. society.
Adulting 101 from the OSU Extension Service
Adulting 101 is a workshop series that helps to bridge teens into adulthood. Skill development can include: budgeting, basic home and car maintenance, meal planning and preparation, first aid and self defense. Any high school age teen may attend whether they are a 4H member or not. Course runs from Feb. 4th - March 11th, 2026. More information available here.
The simplest way teens can protect their mental health: Sleeping in on weekends
Sleeping in on weekends to make up for lost sleep during the week may offer mental health benefits for teenagers and young adults, according to new research from the University of Oregon and the State University of New York Upstate Medical University. Read more in this ScienceDaily article.
Latest Generation Film Contest
The Lincoln Presidential Foundation’s Latest Generation Film Contest encourages young filmmakers to explore history through the art of documentary storytelling. The program offers free resources for participants and educators, along with awards and recognition, to help youth ages 14-22 turn historical insight into powerful, memorable films. More information available here.
Worldbook KIDS
Worldbook STUDENT
Worldbook ADVANCED
