This book presents a proven year-long program to boost student productivity and train high school library aides while offering services to all patrons of the school library. Power Researchers: Transforming Student Library Aides Into Action Learners is a unique practical guide for high school librarians to use in developing a curriculum for student library aides that expands their knowledge, develops literature appreciation, and models 21st-century teaching skills. Authors Lehman and Donovan—both experienced high school librarians—explain how to get maximum results from their proven "learn by doing and helping others" philosophy and techniques, increasing productivity in your library and giving students the necessary information literacy skills for success. This book is filled with reproducible lesson plans, student worksheets, and rubrics. Lessons incorporate specific skills, dispositions, responsibilities, and self-assessment strategies from the AASL Standards for 21st Century Learners. The lessons and reproducibles are not just limited to use with library aides; these materials can also be utilized in collaboration with classroom teachers for whole class instruction in all content areas. Useful links to many online lessons, modules, and Web 2.0 tools are also included.

The Great Equalizer: Six Strategies to Make Public Education Work in America delves into the bleak reality of leading a district with a school poised for state takeover and a district with growing inequalities and increasing student needs. Learn how collaboration allowed that same district to become a 1:1 school system when K-12 schools were still dealing with technology roadblocks. Discover how public schools can garner philanthropy and foundation support to lead their districts down the road of excellence. Chapter hooks, key takeaways, and guided discussion questions provide a glimpse into the realities of leading public education systems across our nation. By implementing six strategies for success, public education can be innovative and make a difference for all students. Together we can ensure that America’s public education system remains the great equalizer.

What was the first spoken word, or what was the first thought of communication? These are my thoughts and the premise that communications, "words", are based on environment and other influences. My thoughts are that people and the form of words were and are developed by outside influences and by these outside influences come the development of cultures and societies. Words are and can be the basic foundation in building and losing these cultures and societies. We have seen the languages of cultures are lost every day and that even in today's societies new words are formed. We as a people should reflect about the beginning of our first words and how we communicate. These are my views on the basic development of communication.