April 24 , 2017 EDCAL 3
Still time left to celebrate School Library Month
The American Association of School Librarians appointed Andy Weir , author of the New York Times best-seller “ The Martian ,” to be the national spokesperson for the 2017 celebration of School Library Month .
Observed in April and sponsored by AASL , School Library Month celebrates school libraries as approachable , equitable and personalized learning environments necessary for every student ’ s well-rounded education .
“ In high school , I was the stereotypical nerdy , unpopular kid ,” Weir said . “ I got bullied a lot , in no small part because I was a smart aleck . The school library became my sanctuary . It was the one place I could go without encountering the bullies who would harass and belittle me . I ’ d read random encyclopedia entries – an early version of a ‘ Wikipedia Wander .’ Libraries provide more than just knowledge . They provide a venue for learning and contemplation . I wouldn ’ t be who I am without that little school library and the shelter it provided me .”
On his website , Weir describes himself as a “ lifelong space nerd ” and notes he is a devoted hobbyist of subjects like relativistic physics , orbital mechanics and the history of manned spaceflight . “ The Martian ” is a product of another of Weir ’ s hobbies – writing .
“ The inspiration was – and I am this dorky – I was sitting around planning a manned Mars mission ,” said Weir in a June 2015 interview for Popular Mechanics .
“ Not for a book or a story or anything . Just speculating : How could we get people to Mars ?” To answer the question , Weir conducted comprehensive research . A computer programmer since the age of 15 , he also developed a program to calculate orbital trajectories . This attention to detail and commitment to using “ real science ” led The Washington Post to describe the novel as “ advertisement for the importance of STEM education .”
The novel itself followed a unique trajectory . Originally published in serial form on Weir ’ s website , the encouragement of fans led him to self-publish in e-book format .
When it quickly became a bestseller , he gained the attention of a major publishing house . The book debuted at # 12 on the
NY Times best sellers list , and in 2015 it became a major motion picture directed by Ridley Scott and starring Matt Damon .
AASL President Audrey Church shared her thanks to Weir , saying , “ It is an honor to have Andy Weir serve as the national spokesperson for School Library Month for 2017 . Weir ’ s main character in ‘ The Martian ,’ epitomizes creativity and perseverance , two dispositions that school librarians help students to develop .”
More information and resources , including a PSA featuring Weir , can be found on the AASL website at www . ala . org / aasl / slm . The California Department of Education also has school library standards available at www . cde . ca . gov / be / st / ss .
SPECIALIST
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cation Teacher Performance Expectations and the California Standards for the Teaching Profession are organized .
Three possible models were submitted for consideration , but the group did not have sufficient time to reach consensus around one model . All three models represent a cross-categorical approach to preparation for the preliminary Education Specialist credential . A benefit to cross-categorical credentials is that teachers would be authorized to serve students with a variety of needs , allowing schools the flexibility to meet the needs of students within their local school sites .
The CTC gave staff direction to refine and clarify the following recommendations :
• Obtain feedback from the field regarding the draft Program Standards and Education Specialist Teacher Performance
Expectations .
• Request the work group take a deeper look at expanding from birth to third grade .
• Staff work with experts to develop Teacher Performance Expectations for Early Childhood Special Education , Deaf- Hard of Hearing and Visual Impairments .
• Reconvene the group for an additional meeting to consider the commission ’ s comments and suggestions .
CTE Advisory Panel
Recommendations were also heard in April from the CTE-appointed Career Technical Education Advisory Panel , which has led to significant changes and restructuring for these credentials .
The most significant changes included an update in the title from Designated Subjects Vocational Education to Career Technical Education and a reduction of the 175 vocational subjects listed on the DS Vocational Education Teaching Credential to 15 broad “ Industry Sectors .”
Since Jan . 1 , 2009 , the CTC has had the authority to issue a three-year Preliminary DS CTE Teaching Credential upon recommendation by a CTE program sponsor approved under revised standards . The “ Standards of Quality and Effectiveness for Career Technical Education Teachers ” were adopted by the commission in August 2008 .
The Preliminary DS CTE Teaching Credential authorizes the holder to teach in the subject or subjects named on the credential in grades 12 and below and in classes organized primarily for adults in career technical education , trade or vocational courses . The Clear Designated Subjects CTE Teaching Credential retains the same authorization , but also includes an authorization to provide Specially Designed Academic Instruction in English for students identified as English learners within career technical education , trade or vocational courses .
The Preliminary credential is valid for three years , providing time for the educator to complete a CTC-accredited program and all requirements for the clear credential . The clear credential is valid for five years and must be renewed every five years .
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