91´«Ã½

CHICAGO – The Pennsylvania School Librarians Association (PSLA) has been named one of three 2019 recipients of the American Association of School Librarians’ (AASL) Past-Presidents Planning Grant for National School Library Standards. The $2,500 grants, awarded in honor of AASL past presidents, are presented annually to AASL Affiliate organizations for the planning and execution of an event, initiative or activity focused on the implementation of AASL's .

PSLA is the recipient of the planning grant awarded in the honor of E. Blanche Woolls and sponsored by Roger and Susan D. Ballard. PSLA plans to use the funds to implement a comprehensive online learning program designed to support AASL Standards implementation at the school level. To do this, PSLA will develop a webinar focused on integrating the AASL Standards into library instruction and co-teaching opportunities at the elementary and secondary levels. The webinar will be delivered at multiple times and dates to reach school librarians across Pennsylvania. PSLA will also develop online training modules focused on three topics: introduction to, application of, and using the AASL Standards for local advocacy.

"The committee loved this effort to deliver innovative continuing education," said Dorcas Hand, award committee chair. "Initially the professional development will be about the standards, but PSLA is putting in place a system that will allow ongoing efforts about all things school library. Participants will be able to engage at their own pace and from home or office, together with others or solo, and far into the future."

The AASL award winners will be honored at the AASL Awards Ceremony during the 2019 91´«Ã½ Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. The ceremony will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 22. All are welcome to celebrate the accomplishments of their peers during this recognition event.

The American Association of School Librarians, , a division of the 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½), empowers leaders to transform teaching and learning.