Announcement
New Online Database Pricing Package Announced
Attn: Superintendents, principals, librarians, technology coordinators
The Colorado State Library and the Aquisition of Information Resources Statewide (AIRS) Committee are pleased to announce new statewide database contracts for schools and libraries for FY08/09. This year databases from the Online Computer Library Center and Elton B. Stephens Company will include NoveList, Science, History and Literary Reference Centers, plus additional content covering K-12, general and business information – including full text to over 8,000 journals – at a special statewide rate.
Prices range from $218 (elementary school under 100 students) to $567 (high school over 300). Without this statewide cost-saving agreement schools would pay as much as $3,000 per year. Subscribing to the print versions of the journals alone would cost a library more than $58,000 per year.
Being able to offer more content to schools and libraries is thanks to a line item in the state budget (HB08-1375) that provides $1 million to help make online database products available throughout the state. The goal was to apply this state funding to help offset the cost of these databases so libraries could inexpensively purchase first-time access – or continue access at a lower cost and with better content than would have otherwise been possible.
Research has shown that students with the most school-wide access to licensed databases have demonstrated higher CSAP reading scores than students with little or no access (http://www.lrs.org/impact.php). Scores may be even higher if the school librarian collaborates with teachers and technology specialists on using these library-based resources within the curricular context.
If your school or library has not provided these resources for students or residents, now is a great time to start. If a school or district is currently subscribing, letters detailing subscription renewals will be arriving soon.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Jim Duncan
State Library
Phone: 303-866-6900
Email: duncan_j@cde.state.co.us
2008 - 2009 Grants Available for Schools and Libraries
Attn: Superintendents, principals, librarians
The Colorado State Library has announced competitive grants for fiscal year 2008–2009 through Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) program, designed to distribute federal state block-grant funds to eligible school, public, academic or special libraries. Total amount awarded during this funding period will be approximately $300,000.
For the purpose of this grant, the library-related projects should focus on activities in any of the following areas:
1) providing services that support educational achievement and lifelong learning
2) providing educational resources in a variety of formats in all types of libraries for individuals of all ages
3) expanding services for learning while providing access to information.
Extra consideration will be given to projects that develop partnerships with other agencies and/or community organizations.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Jean Heilig
Colorado State Lirary
Phone: 303-866-6731
Email: Heilig_J@cde.state.co.us
The May Buzz
Attn: Superintendents
The May issue of The Buzz: A Consolidated Federal Programs Newsletter is available at the link below.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Laura Hensinger
Consolidated Federal Programs
Phone: 303-866-6675
Email: hensinger_l@cde.state.co.us
FYI
2008 Teacher to Teacher Workshops Hosted by the U.S. Department of Education
Attn: Principals, superintendents
Summer 2008 will feature 12 Teacher to Teacher Workshops across the United States.
The workshops will feature prominent teachers, principals and district officials leading training sessions and sharing research-based practices they have successfully applied in their classrooms and schools.
Reading, math, science and history will be the content focus. Instructors will also use and demonstrate how data, differentiating instruction, doing what works, and technology can support student achievement. All workshops will also provide important resources from the National Math Panel.
Denver will host a workshop June 18 - 19, 2008 at the Colorado History Museum.
For a schedule of dates visit the link below.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Laura Hensinger
Consolidated Federal Programs
Phone: 303-866-6675
Email: hensinger_l@cde.state.co.us
Reminder
Renewal Four-Day School Week Application 2008-2009
Attn: Superintendents
School districts in Colorado that operate on a four-day school week with less than 160 scheduled days per school year are required to submit a request for approval annually.
Colorado statute requires school districts to conduct a minimum of 160 days of school, unless prior approval is obtained from the Commissioner -- C.R.S. 22-32-109 (n) (I).
In order to be considered for approval for the 2008-2009 school year, please complete the form at the link below and mail it to the Office of Educational Services by June 30, 2008. Districts requesting approval are not obligated to follow their proposed calendar if their local planning is not finalized.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter. If there is any way the Colorado Department of Education can assist you in this process, please contact your regional manager.
Click Here for Additional Information
For More Information, Contact:
Ai Dam
Office of Educational Services
Phone: 303-866-6678
Email: dam_a@cde.state.co.us
Colorado Department of Education
201 East Colfax Avenue
Denver, Colorado
80203-1799
Phone: 303-866-6822 or 303-866-2334
Do you know somebody in your school district who needs to read The Scoop each week? Send an e-mail to: CDE_Communications_Office@cde.state.co.us with "Sign Me Up For The Scoop" in the subject line. If you are having trouble signing up, please call the communications office at the telephone numbers above.
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