Alabama LM Update October 2024

October 2024

First Fridays 2024-2025

First Fridays are back! Our first session will serve as a trial run, lasting just 30 minutes, on November 1st at 9:30 AM. During this time, we will be checking the platform's functionality and providing a brief introduction about our plans for the upcoming school year.

Later that day, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM, we will review the ALSDE Compliance Monitoring help document. This session will not only cover the document in detail but also include a Q&A segment. Should you have any questions after the session, please don’t hesitate to reach out via email at alabama.library-media@alex.state.al.us.

Stay tuned! Our First Fridays Site is being developed, featuring a comprehensive list of all scheduled sessions. Please note that all First Friday sessions will be recorded and accessible on our Google Site.

To register for First Fridays, log in to PowerSchool Professional Learning. You will register for each section. The course number is 324513. Then look for the section(s) you are interested in attending. The First Fridays Registration tab in our Google Site will also have this registration information.

If you have any session requests or are interested in presenting or facilitating a topic related to library management, please submit your ideas using this form.

Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to seeing you on November 1st!

November AM Session link to PSPL: 515626

November PM Session link to PSPL: 515641

📅 Compliance Monitoring

We’re excited to share some important updates regarding Compliance Monitoring from the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE): Library Media Compliance Monitoring is back in action! Though Compliance Monitoring may be viewed as a challenge for us, it also adds accountability and validity to our roles in the school. This is a good thing!

As with other areas of Compliance Monitoring, all documentation will be accessed through Cognia. Attached are the systems and dates for the current year, as well as the districts that will undergo Compliance Monitoring over the next two years. Stay tuned—I'll share additional years as they become available.

Don't miss our upcoming First Fridays session on November 1st, where we'll dive into Compliance Monitoring. Here is a document giving a thorough overview of Compliance Monitoring expectations. This is a great opportunity to learn more and ask any questions you might have!

If you’re in a district currently undergoing Compliance Monitoring, we're here to provide technical assistance. Your Library Media district administrator will oversee the process and will inform you about the evidence you need to submit.

Thank you for your dedication and hard work in supporting our students and communities!

What is EdDir? 🏫

Education Directory (EdDir) is a valuable resource available to designated individuals in our local school districts. Hosted within the AIM Services Portal, EdDir is essential for identifying faculty and staff within our schools.

Each district has at least one individual with editing access to EdDir. This person is responsible for ensuring that all faculty and staff are accurately listed. As a reminder, K-12 librarians are designated as “librarian,” while K-12 administrators should be entered under “library media/instructional supplies.”

The Library Media email list (utilized for this newsletter) is generated directly from EdDir. If you or your library administrator are not receiving communications from the ALSDE Library Media Education Specialist, please reach out to your district's EdDir liaison for assistance. It’s important to note that the ALSDE staff can view EdDir but cannot make changes. Thank you for your commitment to ensuring our library staff are accurately represented and informed!

If you have access to EdDir and need assistance navigating it, ALSDE Ed Tech has created two documents for assistance: a guide for employees and a guide for district personnel.

💎 GEMS Expo 2025

ALEX partners with AMSTI and ATiM to host the Girls Engaged in Math and Science (GEMS) events. GEMS is an educational program designed to actively involve girls in STEM-related activities through formal and informal learning environments. The GEMS program supports the national need to close the STEM gender gap by utilizing eight teaching strategies to encourage self-confidence and elevate interest in the areas of math and science among female students. GEMS Teachers focus on these strategies to bolster girls' confidence in their abilities in science and math and inspire a passion for learning STEM skills.

The GEMS Expo is a one-day event to include:

· A student project showcase

· Interactive and engaging STEM investigations

· A visit with female role models

This event is based on an application process. Only teams receiving a notice of acceptance are eligible to attend.

Beginning a GEMS Team at your school is easy!

· Create a team of 3-10 girls in grades 2-12.

· Select or create your own STEM lesson plan utilizing ALEX resources.

· Teach the selected lesson to the team/class. Begin a student project based on the lesson to showcase at the Expo.

Applications will open on November 1st!

Check out the sample application, selection criteria, and FAQs for more details.

📚 Library Enhancement Funds 💻

Library Enhancement Funds are available again this year at a rate of $157.72 per teaching unit. We recognize that the language tied to this funding code is outdated, so we are collaborating with Ethan Taylor, Director of LEA Budgets and Support at ALSDE, to provide clear guidance on fund disbursement. Our goal is to share this updated information in the November 2024 issue of the ALMO newsletter. In the meantime, we kindly ask that you hold off on any questions regarding the funds until we release the revised clarifications. For now, you can access the ALSDE Library Enhancement form and utilize the website for determining the number of units allocated to each school.

Coming soon! 🤩

What can you expect from future newsletters?

Expect MORE! We’ll be featuring a variety of content, including:

Professional Learning Opportunities: Enhance your skills and knowledge.
Book Talks: Discover new titles and share your favorites.
Librarian Shoutouts: Celebrate the incredible work of your peers.
Library Media Center Highlights: Showcase innovative programs and initiatives.
Tech Tips: Explore the latest tools and resources to support your work.

All K-12 public librarians and library media administrators in Alabama will receive these newsletters automatically via EdDir. If you know others interested in Library Media and related supports, they can easily sign up using the link right here.