Using the Right Terms Creates the WOW Moment!

Have you ever been in a situation where you are talking to someone, but you know that your message is not being understood by the other person’s body language? Sometimes the problem is the terms that you are using. To them you are speaking another language. Therefore, in conversations with state leadership, administrators, and other coalition members use the terms within ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) because you want them to make the connection. Thus creating the WOW moment that school libraries and librarians are an essential part of the plan!

The AASL Vision for Implementing ESSA Task Force created a handout of ESSA Terms. Along with providing definitions of important terms, the document includes talking points addressing how school libraries/librarians relate to each term. You can also access the document by going to AASL’s ESSA and School Libraries site. Click on the Resource and Information page then look under Advocacy Tools.

ESSA Terms

Within the language of ESSA, several terms are defined. It is crucial that you are familiar with these terms and talking points, such as:

  • Blended Learning (Section 4102)
  • Digital Learning (Section 4102)
  • STEM-Focused Specialty School (Section 4102)
  • Well-Rounded Education (Section 8802-52)

Other critical language used within ESSA are defined by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology and ALA. These terms include::

  • Digital literacy – ALA Digital Literacy Task Force
  • OER (Open Educational Resources) – U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology
  • Personalized Learning –U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Educational Technology

Make the connection between ESSA and school library programs! Speak the language of your audience so they have the WOW moment that school libraries and school librarians are a vital part of the plan so that every student succeeds!

Author: AASL Vision for Implementing ESSA



Categories: Advocacy/Leadership, Blog Topics, Community, ESSA Updates

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