Link This | Email this | Blog This | Comments (0)

Almost Live from Harrisburg--Video of Our Day at the Capitol

April 30, 2008

   

Today we hosted our first legislative breakfast.  I share some of the highlights in the hope that these speakers might inspire others to speak up and help us further a grass-roots movement.  I am delighted that students acted as leaders in this event!

Deb Kachel, our legislative chair did an amazing job organizing the event.  I share some highlights in the hope that some of our eloquent speakers might inspire others. 

My job was to define the role of a strong school library program in the lives of learners.  (Note: the SlideShare version of my talk, does not include the audio and video I presented and made the lovely text appear far less lovely.)

Before the session, retired school librarians--Janice Berrian and Dora Brown--from the School District of Philadelphia APSL shared their frustrations about equity for urban learners who have little access to the types of resources my learners (five blocks out of city limits) often take for granted.  Dora told me, "they don't even know what they're missing.  When they have problems succeeding in college, they think it's their fault.  No one taught them how to research."


Find more videos like this on TeacherLibrarianNetwork

Sonya Brintnall, President of the Home and School Association from Powell Elementary School, and member of Parents United for Public Education moved us with her eloquence, with concerns for her own children, her fight for a well-rounded education for all of the children in Philadelphia.  She quoted another parent leader: "When did it become radical to expect librarians, art, and music teachers in all our schools?"

Find more videos like this on TeacherLibrarianNetwork



Two students spoke at the breakfast. Micah Cook and Dan Jones.  Dan is a member and organizer of the Philadelphia Student Union, a youth-led movement, currently with five chapters, developed to help improve Philadelphia schools. (Unfortunately, my recording of Micah's presentation was too quiet to hear.)

Find more videos like this on TeacherLibrarianNetwork

For our agenda and handouts.
Pictures from the event.

And finally, just for fun, I share my staff saying a final goodbye as I leave for the conference. (They did much of the really hard work to get me out the door.)  
Find more videos like this on TeacherLibrarianNetwork

Posted by Joyce Valenza Ph.D on April 30, 2008 | Comments (0)