Spotlight Series 4 on the AASL Standards Framework

 Shared The AASL Standards Framework for Learners 2018 

Include

The word “include” is used in almost every pedagogical standard for good reason. Ensuring students are receiving a diverse and equitable education should be a fundamental tenet of all teachers and school systems. The AASL defines the include domain as the process of “demonstrating an understanding and commitment to inclusiveness and respect for the diversity in the learning community” (2018). Emphasizing those standards requires a deliberate effort by the librarian to build trust and respect with students and sets the tone for the library's cultural climate. 

Lindsay Beaman, the Media Specialist at Mauldin High School in Greenville County leads a dynamic library program. The high school has over 2300 students and the large library is a hub of activity in the center of the building. Facilitating a space that serves the various needs of students and staff takes planning, flexibility, and careful consideration of a constantly changing environment. Beaman engages a range of learners by offering content and programs that honor their perspective in a global community. Beaman showcases diversity with book displays and often encourages students to read books outside of their normal selection.  The high school students participated in a program over the summer called the “Reading Without Walls Challenge” created by the author Gene Luen Yang. It encouraged students to venture outside their normal reading habits and try new formats and genres to expand their literary perspective. 

Beaman also hosts many morning and afternoon clubs that are from a variety of backgrounds such as the Gay Straight Alliance, Chess Club, and Maverick Minds Matter. The library also offers a lunch bunch every Thursday which gives students a group to come and eat lunch together and meet new people. Creating a welcoming space for students to feel comfortable creates an environment that fosters a sense of community and contributes to the sharing and growth frameworks of building a global learning atmosphere. 

In the library Mrs. Beaman will often host lessons with teachers to encourage students to research items and present the information they learned sharing different points of view. The library curate's books in many different languages, picture books, and books reaching all different Lexile reading levels to help guarantee that they have a book for every student.  

Mrs. Beaman has also reached out beyond traditional library curriculum lessons to become a leader with the district wide Social and Emotional Learning Initiative offered this year. Beaman partnered with the instructional coach and school social worker to promote SEL efforts and lessons. Mrs. Beaman was an active leader in planning and facilitating a schoolwide SEL day called Mavs Matter, an event aimed at building stronger schoolwide relationships through mental health awareness.

The current political climate and social justice issues have created challenges in the library that highlight how important the include domain framework is for librarians. High School students face a multitude of serious personal and social issues that can impact their educational journey. Librarians and the programs they offer can help students expand to experience different perspectives and offer a safe space within the school to learn. 

American Association of School Librarians. (2018). National School Library Standards for Learners, School Librarians, and School Libraries. Chicago: ALA.

Beaman. L. (2022). Personal Interview.