Media matters, Vol. 8, Issue 10 (May 2010)

Media Matters
A newsletter for people who care about Library Media Center programs

Volume 8 Number 10

May 2010

Library Media Feedback Form
In early April Library Media Coordinators in each system were sent a link to 12 questions that concern Georgia's Library Media Centers. The deadline for submitting the requested information is the end of May.
The purpose of the feedback form is to obtain a current picture of the Library Media program in our state. We should be able to determine the age of our library collections, the amount of funding spent annually, any proposed changes in the Library Media program, the number of students who visit the LMC on a yearly basis, and more.
Your Media Coordinator will probably ask for your help in gathering the data.
The collected information will be shared with the Library Media community.

Inside this issue

News

2

GALILEO

3

Ga Professional Standards 5

Planning for 2011

6

News you can use

8

Managers vs Leaders

10

GPB Kids

11

25 Books all Georgians

12

should read

TOTY

13

Teen Readers

14

Congratulations Retirees! 15

To inventory or not?

16

Grant Writing

17

Safe and Drug Free

18

Schools

PLU information

19

Calendar

20

The 2010 ALSC Institute will be held in Atlanta September 23-25, 2010. This is the first time that the conference will be held in the south and a great opportunity for students and professionals alike to attend a great conference devoted solely to children's librarianship, literature, and technology.
Online registration is now available at http:// www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/confevents/institute/ index.cfm

Media Matters

Great News!

Page 2

Shawn Kirby, Media Specialist at Birney Elementary in Cobb County and four members of her Technology Club are presenting at ISTE in Denver this year. The group is hosting a Student Showcase entitled: "Reflections: Collaboration Between the PTA, After School, and Classroom Through Technology."
Their presentation will focus on how to build collaboration in the school community by using technology to teach students to make movies, music, and photographs for the annual PTA Reflections competition.

Terri Nalls, Media Specialist at Charles Spencer Elementary in Tifton was awarded the Excellence in Teaching Award from the Tift County Foundation for Educational Excellence. She was nominated by parents, students, administrators, or peers to receive this award. What an honor.

Do you have news to share? Send your story to jserrite@doe.k12.ga.us.

Next year will be full of challenges. HB 908, when signed by the governor, will remove expenditure controls from Library Media programs. Budget cuts may result in a reduction in personnel in the Library Media Center. However, we need to continue to serve our students and provide the best educational service and learning experience possible.
"We are a noble profession. We don't shelve books, and change toner cartridges--we maintain an infrastructure for social action. We don't reference resources, and catalog artifacts - we teach and inspire. We are wrapped in the trappings of intellect and wield the passion of knowledge. So too can librarians overcome the crushing forces of mediocrity and cynicism - but we must believe that we can." David Lankes

Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him. ~ Maya Angelou

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GALILEO Scrapbook Takes A Look
GALILEO is excited to announce the availability of a new GALILEO community forum as part of the GALILEO 15th birthday celebration: the GALILEO Scrapbook, which highlights GALILEO in the everyday lives of the schools, libraries, homes, and the people of Georgia. Pictures, posters, clippings, slideshows, videos, and other GALILEO and library-related items through the years are already available for you to see at http:// scrapbook.galileo.usg.edu.
Take a look at the community and help build the scrapbook in any of the following ways:
Add your pictures to the scrapbook! Submit your best wishes, memorable pictures, stories, or quotes about GALILEO in your library or GALILEO history at http://about.galileo.usg.edu/site/contest/.
Participate in the GALILEO Life Contest: make a video, poster, PowerPoint, or fan showing the importance and use of GALILEO in your school or library. Find more information at http://about.galileo.usg.edu/site/galileo_life_contest.
The "Where I'm From in GALILEO" lesson plan is a great way to work with students to create a submission. Find this lesson plan and supporting materials at http:// help.galileo.usg.edu/educators/where_im_from_in_galileo/ All submissions will be displayed in the GALILEO scrapbook. Upcoming and archived webinars on the lesson plan are also available: http://help.galileo.usg.edu/librarians/ training/online/
GALILEO will be adding your submissions and new content on an ongoing basis you will find the scrapbook in both the About GALILEO and Help sections of GALILEO. Please be a part of this project. Submit and visit regularly.
Libraries are an integral part of our education system. It is undeniable that children who read more and use their libraries more do better academically. ~ New York City Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer

Professional Development Resources in GALILEO
You know that GALILEO has great resources for your students, whether you work in an elementary, middle, or high school, but are you aware of the databases compiled for educational research and professional development? Many educators take classes in the summer or work on planning programs and lessons but GALILEO is there for you around the clock. The databases include journal content for academic research for those enrolled in advanced degree programs, as well as content for keeping up in your field.
Here are the best databases for this topic. The express link will require your GALILEO password, and then will take you to the database.
Professional Development Collection
Express link: http://www.galileo.usg.edu/express?link=zbpd
This EBSCOhost resource includes over 500 journals covering the most current topics in education. You will find journals on education research to help with research projects and papers; journals for specific groups, such as Gifted Child Today and High School Journal; subject-specific journals, such as History Teacher and Science Teacher; and journals for administrators, counselors, and even school board members.
EBSCO Database Title Lists: http://www.ebscohost.com/titleLists.php
ERIC (at eric.ed.gov)
Express link: http://www.galileo.usg.edu/express?link=zeri
Although this isn't a subscription database, it is included in GALILEO menus to help guide users with an interest in education to this robust resource. You will find literature on any topic in the education arena. Journal content is included, some of it in full text. Non-journal materials are a real bonus in this database. These are the documents you found in college in the big microfiche cabinets (if you went to college a few years ago, anyway). They include lesson plans, technology plans, books, reports, and much more.
ERIC (at EBSCOhost)
Express link: http://www.galileo.usg.edu/express?link=zber
In this version of ERIC, you will find links to the full text of journal content indexed, but not always available in full text at the eric.ed.gov site. This version is updated quarterly, so it may not always be as current as the above version, but it may include the full text of an article that isn't included there.
An upcoming training session on Education Resources in GALILEO is scheduled for May 6. To register, visit http://help.galileo.usg.edu/librarians/training/online/
For questions or for more information about GALILEO, please visit http://www.galileo.usg.edu/ contact/

IMPLPEOARSTEASNHTAIRNEFORMATION
Date: April 22, 2010
From: Kelly Henson, Executive Secretary
Georgia Professional Standards Commission
Re: Computer Skill Competency Requirement
Dear Colleagues:
Effective immediately, the Computer Skill Competency (CSC) Special Georgia Requirement is waived for educator certification.
The CSC requirement was put in place by the PSC as a response to legislation and required educators in Georgia to demonstrate satisfactory proficiency on a PSC approved test of computer skill competency or to complete a PSC approved course. At the April 8, 2010, PSC commission meeting, a change to PSC Rule 505 -2-.20 Special Georgia Requirements was initiated to remove the CSC requirement. The Commissioners agreed to waive the requirement until the rule change becomes official, which is expected on July 15, 2010.
The CSC requirement has served its original intent, which was to ensure Georgia educators have satisfactory knowledge of computer skills. As educators who complete a state approved educator preparation program since 2001 are exempt from this requirement since technology is imbedded in their preparation programs, and as the number of educators that have met the requirement upon certificate renewal has increased significantly, the PSC recognizes this component is no longer needed as a special Georgia requirement. The cost to educators and their school systems of time and resources associated with meeting this requirement can no longer be justified.
In response to this CSC waiver, the GACE Computer Skill Competency assessment (GACE 178), which could be passed as a test out option for the requirement, is no longer available.
The PSC acknowledges and is very appreciative of the work of the Education Technology Centers, Institutions of Higher Education, Regional Educational Service Agencies, school systems and schools that helped educators meet the CSC requirement by offering the PSC approved course or GACE Internet-Based Testing.
Thank you in advance for your assistance in communicating the above information and for your continued collaboration. Please let me know what questions you may have.

June 18-19 GLMA Summer Institute, Calloway Gardens

http://glma-inc.org/ August 13 GOLD/GALILEO Users Group, UGA Continuing Ed http://www.georgialibraries.org/lib/gold/ggugc2010/ September 3-5 Decatur Book Festival http://www.decaturbookfestival.com/

Planning for 2010-11 @ your library

September 8 International Literacy Day

www.reading.org

Sept. 19-25 National TV Turnoff Week

April 18-24 www.tvturnoff.org

Oct. 1-2 Georgia Conference on Information Literacy, Savannah http://ceps.georgiasouthern.edu/conted/ infolit.html

Sept. 23-25 American Library Services to Children (ALSC) Institute, Emory

http://www.lita.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/confevents/institute/index.cfm

September 25 National Book Festival

www.loc.gov/bookfest

Sept. 25-Oct. 2 Banned Books Week

www.ala.org/bbooks/

October National Book Month

http://www.nationalbook.org/nbm.html

October Georgia Archives Month

http://soga.org/archivesmonth

October 1-3 National Storytelling Festival, Jonesborough, TN

www.storytellingcenter.com/festival

October 13-15 COMO, Athens

http://www.georgiacomo.org/

October 22-23 Georgia Literary Festival, Statesboro

http://www.georgialiteraryfestival.org/

October 17-23 Teen Read Week

www.ala.org/teenread/

November 3-5 Georgia Educational Technology Conference, College Park

www.gaetc.net

January Caldecott and Newbery announcements

www.ala.org

February 5 Regional Helen Ruffin Reading Bowls

www.glma-inc.org/readingbowl.htm

March 2 Read Across America Day

www.nea.org/readacross

March 6-12 Teen Tech Week

http://www.ala.org/teentechweek/

March 4-5 Children's Literature Conference, UGA

State Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl

www.coe.uga.edu/gachildlit

March 30 (Elem) Conference on Literature for Children & Adolescents, KSU

March 31 (MS/HS) http://www.kennesaw.edu/education/mge/childlit/

April National Poetry Month School Library Month

http://www.poets.org/npm/ www.ala.org/aasl

April 10-16 National Library Week

www.ala.org/pio/nlw/

May Get Caught Reading Month

http://www.getcaughtreading.org/ May 8-11 International Reading Association, Orlando www.reading.org May 2-8 Children's Book Week www.cbcbooks.org June-TBA GLMA Summer Institute, Macon

List courtesy of Rebecca Amerson, NBCT Cherokee County Schools Online Learning rebecca.amerson@cherokee.k12.ga.us

http://www.glma-inc.org/

June 23-28 ALA Annual Conference, New Orleans

www.ala.org

June 26-29 NECC, Philadelphia

http://www.iste.org/

Media Matters

Page 8

Are you using the customizable newsletters each month? These documents are produced in Word and posted on the GaDOE website. Each month an elementary and middle/ high newsletter are created for your use. Take the newsletter, change the title to fit your school or Library Media Center, add/delete/tweak any of the information and send it out either electronically or print copies for your faculty, staff, and parents.
If the newsletters are not posted in a timely manner you may want to look at a previous year or month. Just make sure the links are still working and the information is accurate.
You can find the newsletters at: http://www.gadoe.org/sia_as_library.aspx
Do you have a subscription to the GaDOE Library Media List Service? To keep up to date with events, laws, conferences, grant opportunities and more... join the GaDOE Library Media List Service. Send a blank email (nothing in the body or subject) to: joindoemedia@list.doe.k12.ga.us
You will receive a confirmation email to which you will need to respond in order to be fully subscribed.
Leaving? Retiring? Tired of emails? Don't forget to unsubscribe. Directions for unsubscribing are at the bottom of each email sent to the List.
Leaving but want to stay connected? That's wonderful. Just change your email address.
Happiness in this world, when it comes, comes incidentally. Make it the object of pursuit, and it leads us a wild goose chase and is never attained. Follow some other object, and very possibly we may find that we have caught happiness without dreaming of it. ~
Nathaniel Hawthorne

Media Matters

Page 9

The difference between managers and leaders
The manager administers; the leader innovates. The manager is a copy; the leader is an original. The manager maintains; the leader develops. The manager accepts reality; the leader investigates it. The manager focuses on systems and structure; the leader focuses on people. The manager relies on control; the leader inspires trust. The manager has a short-range view; the leader has a long-range perspective. The manager asks how and when; the leader asks what and why. The manager has her eye on the bottom line; the leader has eyes on the horizon. The manager imitates; the leader originates. The manager accepts the status quo; the leader challenges it. The manager is the classic good soldier; the leader is her own person. The manager does things right; the leader does the right thing. Do you agree? Budding leaders need an environment in which leadership characteristics are not only tolerated, but encouraged. Does your organization make room for managers to grow into leaders? How do you nurture and support the development of the leadership characteristics above? *Bennis and Goldsmith. Learning to Lead: A Workbook on Becoming a Leader. New York: Basic Books, 2003, p. 8-9.

Page 10

Georgia Department of Education

1754 Twin Towers East 205 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive Atlanta, Georgia 30334
Phone: 404-657-9800 Fax: 404-656-5744 E-mail: jserrite@doe.k12.ga.us

We will lead the nation in improving student achievement.

Check out www.gpbkids.org. Click on "Read More" and see the new Georgia Read More feature. It is still a work in progress, but well worth a look!

Congratulations to Beth Shoemaker who was chosen as Media Specialist for Dublin City Schools.
Literature is my Utopia. Here I am not disenfranchised. No barrier of the senses shuts me out from the sweet, gracious discourses of my book friends. They talk to me without embarrassment or awkwardness. ~ Helen Keller

The Georgia Center for the Book recently released the "25 Books All Georgians Should Read" list at a special event at the Decatur Public Library. The fourth edition of the prestigious "25 Books" list includes 11 novels and short story collections, three volumes of poetry, and 11 nonfiction books, and boasts three Pulitzer Prize winners. For more details, visit www.georgiacenterforthebook.org.

The 25 Books All Georgians Should Read

Snakeskin Road James Braziel
The Confederate General Rides North Amanda Gable
Luminous Mysteries: A Novel John Holman
The Girl Who Stopped Swimming Joshilyn Jackson
When the Finch Rises Jack Riggs

A Cry of Angels Jeff Fields
Bombingham Anthony Grooms
How Far She Went Mary Hood
Hue and Cry: Stories James Alan McPherson
Nothing With Strings: NPR's Beloved Holiday Stories Bailey White

The Heart of a Distant Forest Philip Lee Williams

Winter Sky: New and Selected Poems, 1968-2008 Coleman Barks

New and Selected Poems of Thomas Lux, 1975-1995 Thomas Lux
Slavery by Another Name: The Re-Enslavement of Black Americans from the Civil War to World War II Douglas A. Blackmon
At Canaan's Edge: America in the King Years, 1965-68 Taylor Branch
Invisible Sisters Jessica Handler
Lovesick Blues: The Life of Hank Williams Paul Hemphill

The Watchers Memye Curtis Tucker
Long Time Leaving: Dispatches from Up South Roy Blount, Jr.
Heart of a Patriot: How I Found the Courage to Survive Vietnam, Walter Reed, and Karl Rove Max Cleland The Cracker Queen: A Memoir of a Jagged, Joyful Life Lauretta Hannon Under the Tuscan Sun: At Home in Italy Frances Mayes

The Ballad of Blind Tom Deirdre O'Connell

An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith Barbara Brown Taylor

Bon Appetit Ya'll: Recipes and Stories from Three Generations of Southern Cooking Virginia Willis

Library Media Specialists Chosen Teacher of the Year!

Denise Ziegler

Beaverdale Elementary Whitfield County

Evelyne L. LaMar Jacquie Zaski

Shadow Rock Psycho-Educational Center DeKalb County Arnold Mill Elementary Cherokee County

Kenny Blum

Oak Grove Elementary Fayette County

Lynn Wood

Lake Joy Elementary Houston County

Marianne Green

Winder-Barrow Middle School

Nancy Cullison

Toney Elementary DeKalb County

Pam Davidson

Southwest Laurens County Elementary

Patricia Hipps

Whitewater Middle Fayette County

Ramona Burnett.

Belwood Elementary Calhoun City

Sharon L. Sieweke

Jolly Elementary DeKalb County

Sheila Heivilin

Open Campus High School Carroll County

Each year the question arises about the Teacher of the Year process. (See Library Media Specialists who were chosen at TOTY at their school above.) The rules and regulations for the TOTY are found at: http://www.gadoe.org/ci.aspx?PageReq=TOTY
Below are part of the requirements. As you can see a Library Media Specialist is considered a classroom teacher and is eligible for the award.

Qualifications
The candidate for Teacher of the Year should be:
A certified classroom teacher (clear and renewable certificate) in public prekindergarten through grade 12, including special education, physical education, art, music, and media specialists. (Counselors are not eligible.)
An exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable, and skilled teacher who is planning to continue in active teaching status. A teacher who inspires students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn. A teacher who has the respect and admiration of students, parents, and colleagues. A teacher who plays an active and useful role in the community as well as in the school. A teacher who is poised and articulate and possesses the energy to withstand a taxing schedule.

Media Matters
Great Idea!
Last year I allowed returning students to check out books over the summer. They had to have all library books turned in (obviously!) and I had a form for the parent to sign that stated how many books the student could check out. I only had about 7-8 kids participate but they all returned their books the first week of school. I plan to do it again! Cathy Lawrence ~ Carrollton Junior High School

Page 13

Georgia Peach Award for Teen Readers
This month's featured book: Bonechiller by Graham McNamee
A soul-stealing beast of the ice attacks Danny, who enlists three friends to face off against this demon linked to disappearing teens from a small Ontario town for centuries. Two will lose themselves to the creature if they can't understand and defeat him in time.

Congratulations Retirees!

Andrea Gilbert Anne Boulier Barbara Heller Barbara Jackson Becky Coreno Brenda Pratt Catherine Johnson Cindy Corless Clara "Kitty' Cobb Clara Collins Diana Clark Diann Strickland Elaine Ford Etta Sykes Faye Curlee Florence Bankston Francee Melf Gail Ford Gail Herring Gloria Jean Saunders Jane Rhodes Jeanette Shiver Julie Jones

Enota Multiple Intelligences Academy Gainesville City Schools Kingston Elementary Bartow County Henderson Middle DeKalb County Midway Elementary DeKalb County Gentian Muscogee County White Oak Elementary Coweta County Douglass High Atlanta City Heard Mixon Elementary Newton County Garden Hills Elementary Atlanta City Clayton County Bradwell Institute Liberty County Pierce County Middle School Worth County Vanderlyn Elementary DeKalb County Director Gwinnett County Beecher Hills Elementary School Henderson Mill Elementary DeKalb County Treutlen Middle/High School O.P. Evans Middle Coweta County Coan Middle School DeKalb County Towers HS DeKalb County Potter St. Elementary Dougherty County Gainesville High School

Page 15

Karen Cope Kathy Alexander Kathyren Webb Kim Jenkins Linda Hilsenrad Linda Mros Linda Mullen Margaret Ross Martha Babb Martha Child Martha McMickin Mary Etta J. Thomas Mary Glaser Mary Lee Nell Fernandez Pam Davidson Priscilla Gipson Sharon Pattillo Sue Killcreas Susan J. Brantley Valarie Wolny Vicki York

Willis Road Elementary Coweta County Tift County High School Snelson-Golden Middle School Liberty County Griffin High School Spalding County Cedar Grove High DeKalb County Cedartown High School Polk County Pickett's Mill Elementary Cobb County Parklane Elementary School Fulton County East Jackson High School Jackson County Akinson Elementary Coweta County Worth County Hambrick Elementary DeKalb County Waddell Elementary Muscogee County Langston Chapel Bulloch County The Champion School DeKalb County Southwest Laurens Elementary Media Services Central Office Atlanta City East Paulding High School Valley Point Middle School Whitfield County Eastside Elementary Douglas County Atlanta City Taylorsville Elementary Bartow County

One retiree said that it has been a wild and wonderful ride....I hope that sums it up for all of you. We appreciate your dedication to the students, the teachers, and our profession and wish you much happiness!

Media Matters

Inventory?

Page 16

There has been some discussion recently on the GaMedia List Service about inventory and closing the Library Media Center. Some of the responses have been right on target, but I found it interesting that some people don't consider inventory a useful tool. Many of the circulation software programs will speed up this somewhat tedious but important process. How else will you know what is missing, what needs repair, where the holes are in your collection? GaDOE is also asking for information that requires an inventory (see page 1).
Many Library Media Specialists conduct their inventory during the school year inventorying one section at a time. For example: Close off the 700's for a day...inventory...reopen that section. It isn't a good idea and it violates GaDOE policy to "close" the Library Media Center. Of course you can cut back on checkouts to students toward the end of the year, but closed....no.
Some of the good ideas I read on GaMedia List Service:
My purpose in conducting inventory every year is to make sure I know what's really available. I try to locate any "lost" items so that patrons who use the catalog are getting correct information. It can be frustrating for a patron to look for an item that says it is "available," when it is nowhere to be found. Inventory also helps me to make sure everything is in the right place - so patrons and I can locate the items. I do allow teachers to continue checking out books so if they feel that students still need something to read they can check out books for their classroom.
I stay open for inventory. I do stop student check-out 2 weeks prior to the last day of school since I need to collect their books and monies if they have lost or damaged their books. I do keep the center open for classes, teacher check-out, and special events. Teachers may checkout and keep books until post planning.
Also, for Media Centers without the blessing of an assistant, (which will be a great many more next year..JS) tap into the resource of volunteers: parents, community members, and others who can lend a hand with shelving or other projects, including scanning books for inventory! You can also check with middle and high school students who need to earn Community Service hours. They can be a great help. To make the task a little easier, recruit a reliable person (also volunteer) to be your volunteer coordinator. He or she can schedule times for volunteers to serve and even assist with some of the training.
I spend 3 days doing inventory of almost 20,000 items. I have 2 wireless laptops with the staff access circ system loaded on them. I plug in the scanners from the desk. My parapro starts at one end and I start at the other. I do this the last week of school but it can be done at any time.
To paraphrase David Loertscher ...Library Media Centers are learning spaces...not storage places.

How to Write a Winning Proposal

June 22 24, 2010 8:00am - 4:00pm Atlanta, Georgia

This is a 3-day, hands-on workshop in which you develop a working draft of a proposal for funding. After learning about each of the sections of a proposal, you will brainstorm and write the sections of a proposal tailored to a current grant opportunity. You'll be able to revise the proposal after the workshop and submit it for funding to your preferred funding source!
At the beginning of class, you will be expected to have a project idea/need in mind. You're strongly encouraged to review open grant opportunities in the Foundations for the Future's Funding Forecast prior to attending the workshop at www.f3program.org/funding/funding.pdf To prepare for the workshop, you will need to answer the input form in the attachment by June 10. You should also expect homework each night.
Example project ideas include, 1) linking middle school students with high school technology mentors; 2) developing and finding international collaborators to enhance your social studies programs; 3) creating a focused professional development program for selected teachers; or 4) updating technology resources for learning. At the workshop, you will write a draft proposal based on his or her idea. You are encouraged to bring your own laptops. If so, you must have administrative privileges on your laptop.

Workshop Topics Include- Understanding types of awards- Finding funding resources on the Internet-
Deciphering grant guidelines- Reviewing model proposals- Developing a statement of need- Developing project goals and objectives- Creating a project management plan- Developing an effective evaluation
Workshop Fee The workshop fee of $120 includes grant writing workbook, grant-writing resources on CD, 1-on-1
access to a 4-member team of experienced grant-writers, hands-on Internet activities, two PLU credits, certificate of completion, refreshments, and lunch each day. NOTE: This workshop is for K-12 teachers and administrators only.
Workshop Location The workshop will be held at the GTRI Conference Center at 250 14th Street, Atlanta 30318,
just west of I-75 and I-85. Complimentary parking is available in the parking deck. For directions, please visit: www.f3program.org/explorers_guild/directions.html
The Explorers Guild and Foundations for the Future (F3) sponsors the Explorers Guild and an annual
grant-writing workshop held in a technology-rich facility, where teachers can exchange experiences, learn from each other, and experiment with tools and technologies. PLU credits are offered for attendance. The F3 program is part of the Georgia Tech Research Institute. F3 is a collaboration of Georgia Tech researchers working with government and industry to support technology-enabled learning in K-12 settings across Georgia. For more information about F3 and the Explorers Guild, go to www.f3program.org .

To subscribe to the F3 Explorers Guild email list and receive workshop updates,1. Send an email to sympa@lists.gatech.edu2. In the subject line of your message, type: subscribe f3-explorers-guild firstName lastName (example: subscribe f3-explorers-guild@lists.gatech.edu John Doe)3. Leave the body of the message blank.

Even if you are on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there. ~ Will Rogers

Media Matters

Page 18

The Safe and Drug-Free Schools Program at the Georgia Department of Education had extra copies of the child abuse prevention video, Kids Count on You: Reporting Child Abuse in School. The extra copies have been sent by mail to the elementary schools as a resource to be housed in the media center. All Counselors and Social Workers should already have a copy of this video.
There were no additional training manuals to send with the videos, but the manual can be downloaded from the Safe and Drug-Free Schools' (SDFS) webpage at the following address: http://www.gadoe.org/sia_titleiv.aspx.
If you have questions concerning the video or training manual, please contact Marilyn Watson at 404-651-7179 or via e-mail mawatson@doe.k12.ga.us.
Cuts to libraries during a recession are like cuts to hospitals during a plague. ~ Eleanor Crumblehulme

The thing I remember best about successful people I've met all through the years is their obvious delight in what they're doing and it seems to have very little to do with worldly success. They just love what they're doing, and they love it in front of others. ~ Fred Rogers
Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase. ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

Certificate Requirements: 7/1/10-6/30/15

2010 Georgia Legislation provides "from July 1, 2010, through June 30. 2015, no professional learning requirements shall be required for certificate renewal for clear renewable certificates for certificated personnel or for certificate renewal for paraprofessionals".

Professional Standards Commission will modify Standard Renewal Requirements during this period. Certificates with an expiration date of June 30, 2010, will require professional learning units (PLU). Certificates with an expiration date of June 30 of 2011-2015 will not require professional learning units to renew a Georgia clear renewable educator certificate or for the renewal of a paraprofessional certificate. See the chart and the narrative below it for details.

HB 1307 applies to valid clear renewable certificate holders whose certificates expire from July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2015. The Certification Renewal process is not being eliminated and outstanding requirements other than PLUs must be completed such as Criminal Record Check.

Professional learning is not being suspended. The position of the PSC to modify renewal requirements during this period is separate and apart from LEAs who wish to continue their own requirements for continued professional development of the personnel employed in their systems

New Certificate Renewal Requirements Summary

Expiration Date

PLU Requirement Validity Period

June 30, 2010

YES

July 1, 2010 June 30, 2015

June 30, 2011

NO

July 1, 2011 June 30, 2016

June 30, 2012

NO

July 1, 2012 June 30, 2017

June 30, 2013

NO

July 1, 2013 June 30, 2018

June 30, 2014

NO

July 1, 2014 June 30, 2019

June 30, 2015

NO

July 1, 2015 June 30, 2020

Guidance for renewal of clear renewable certificates that expire between July 1, 2010-June 30, 2015, is:

1. Educators whose valid clear renewable certificates expire on June 30, 2010, must renew with the standard professional learning units (PLUs) requirements.

2. PLUs used to renew must be earned during the validity period preceding the date of renewal application.

3. Educators, whose certificates expires on June 30, 2010, who plan to complete their professional learning hours during the 2010 summer may request renewal between July 1, 2010, and September 30.

4. Educators (employed or unemployed) renewing their Clear Renewable certificates from July 1, 2011-June 30, 2015, do not submit professional learning units with their application.

5. Though Professional learning units are not required for certificate renewal from July 1, 2011, an application must be submitted to initiate the process.

6. School systems will continue to renew certificates via ACRES renewal program on gapsc.org.

7. Educators employed in private schools will continue to submit an application and Employer Assurance Form.

8. Unemployed educators will continue to submit an application and application fee.

9. The validity period for certificates issued between July 1, 2011, and June 30, 2015, will be for the standard period of five years.

Su nday

May 2010

Georgia Department of Education

Mond ay

Tuesday

Wed nesday

Thu rsday

Fr iday

Satu rd ay
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Empire State Buil di ng dedi cated: 1931

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1936: Manuscript Birthday of

Horace Mann Birthday ofLeo

ofEdna St. Vinc- Yehuda Amicha: born: 1796-1859 Lionni: 1910-

ent Mi llay's Conversations at Midnight destroyed in

1924-2000

1999 Carnegi e Hall
opened: 1891

hotel fire

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What did James Barrie wri te?

1869: Transcontinental Railroad complet ed

Who is Irving Berlin?

Edward Lear born: 1812-1888

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8

Birthday ofWillie 1812: Robert Bro- DeSoto

Mays: 1931-

wning i s born discovered

Mississippi :

1541

13

14

15

Norma Klein born: 1804: Lewis and Who is L. Frank

1938-1989

Clark depart

Baum?

16

17

18

Margret Rey born: Supreme Court Mt. St. Helen

1906-1996

rules in Brown v. erupts: 1980

Brown: 1954

23
Margaret Wise Brown born: 1910-1952

24

25

1935: Major league baseball has first night game

Ralph Waldo Emerson born: 1803-1882

19

20

21

Lorraine Hans- 1873: Blue jeans American Red

berry born: 1930- pat ented

Cross founded:

1965

1881

26
Bram Sto k er 's novel Dracula goes on sale in London~1897

27
M.E. Kerr born: 1927-

28
Why is this day import ant to James Bond?

22
1859: Sir Art hur Conan Doyle is born
Is t here a book in your library by Arnold Lobel?
29
Wi llow Davi s Roberts born: 1928-

30

31

1st automobile Bri thday ofWalt accident: 1896 Whi tman: 1819(Wear your seat 1892 bel t!)

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