ESC Region 11 Library Services News
Back to School 2023
Welcome Back!
I hope you have had a wonderful summer and have taken some time to rest and do things that bring you joy! This will be my last newsletter as I turn the reins over to someone new. I have so enjoyed my time serving librarians in Region 11 and wish you all the very best year! What you do matters, and I will be cheering you on.
Have a fabulous new school year!
Shawna
Please Welcome!
From Beth:
After 26 years of serving students in Dallas, HEB, and Birdville ISD, I’m looking forward to supporting those who serve. My library passions include collaborating with content teachers to create a more meaningful learning experience, makerspace activities that spark wonder (and a possible career path), and always, a great story.
Let’s work together to utilize all of Region 11’s resources to their fullest potential to impact student achievement.
Please reach out for any reason — to request assistance, to answer your TREC questions, to invite me out to see the amazing work you do, and to recommend a great title.
I’m here for you!
Beth Muirheid, M.L.S.
HB 900 Implementation
On August 4, 2023, TSLAC approved submitting proposed Collection Development Standards to SBOE. These standards must be approved by SBOE before being finalized and are not in effect at this time.
Key Dates:
- June 13, 2023 — Signed by Governor Abbott
- September 1, 2023 — Effective date
- January 1, 2024 — TSLAC mandatory collection development standards, approved by SBOE, final
- April 1, 2024 — Vendors provide an initial list of materials they rated sexually explicit or sexually relevant to TEA. Materials rated as sexually explicit must be removed from school libraries.
- September 1, 2024 — Vendors provide an updated list of materials they have rated to TEA
- January 1, 2025 — School districts review vendor-rated sexually relevant material in their current collection and post a report on their website
Professional Learning Opportunities
Fall TexQuest Sessions
Texas educators who have TexQuest Resources can participate in any of the TexQuest sessions regardless of which ESC is hosting the session. Check out the TexQuest Training Calendar to see all of the upcoming sessions.
October 12, 2023 • 9:00 a.m. - noon — ELAR TEKS and TexQuest Resources Make a Perfect Pair
November 7, 2023 • 9:00 a.m. - noon — Build Family Connections with TexQuest Digital Resources
Book Creator & Student Engagement
Session 1 — Engaging Students through Book Creator: Innovative Approaches to Reading and Writing Instruction Discover how Book Creator can be utilized to captivate students' interest in reading. Learn how to create interactive e-books, incorporate multimedia elements such as audio and video, and engage students through interactive quizzes and activities. Explore ways to personalize reading experiences and provide differentiated instruction based on students' needs and interests.
Session 2 — Empowering Students: Strategies for Success Beyond STAAR Test Prep During this session, we will delve into a range of effective strategies and techniques that go beyond mere test preparation, focusing on empowering students to become confident and independent learners. Our goal is to nurture a growth mindset, foster critical thinking skills, and cultivate a passion for lifelong learning.
Breakfast and Lunch will be provided, and participants will receive a free six-month upgrade to Book Creator.
October 18, 2023 • 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
ESC Region 11 Fall Library Conference — November 16
Please consider submitting a proposal or two and encourage your friends to do the same. We are excited to Connect with everyone in November!
Region 11 Solo Librarian Survey
Are you a solo librarian in your district? Would you like to connect with other solo librarians? If so, please complete this form! Christina Moore (Sanger ISD) and Linda Sanchez (Community ISD) are reviving the Solo Librarian PLN.
#ESC11Librarians are AMAZING!
Region 11 Librarians Present - Library Sessions You Might Have Missed
How to Thrive & Survive as a School Librarian
The Modern Safe Space — Supporting Social and Emotional Learning in the Library
Top Ten Tools to Make Your Library Pop
Technology Resources Education Consortium
Many of our Region 11 districts are already TREC members, but if your district/charter is not and you are interested in learning more about TREC, you can take a look at the TREC website if you have questions or would like a cost estimate of joining TREC, email sford@esc11.net.
ESC Region 11 Librarians — Stay Connected!
Have questions or need help?
Shawna Ford
Email: sford@esc11.net
Website: https://www.esc11.net/Library
Location: 1451 South Cherry Lane, White Settlement, TX, USA
Phone: 817-740-3674
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ESCRegion11LibraryServices/
Twitter: @ESC11Library