"The library has more resources than you do in your home. It is a place that opens the door to reading and learning. It is a great community resource. I love library time with my kids"
--Ruth, California

What is on our blog and forum:
A review and discussion of the article: "In the fight over education is anyone wining?"
Good Magazine, September/October, Education Issue
Article by: Gary S Stager, PhD

Library Gratitude

local libraries

free, fun, safe, friends, reads, explore

resources galore

Call the Helpline for Hot Tips!
Did you know you can call the IEM Helpline for support preparing an ILP? Call us!
800-979-4436

Preparing an ILP?
What's your child's learning style?
Visit IEMinc.org and find out!

Check Out the Resources for Parents on the IEM Website.

More and more resources for parents are being added to the IEM website. You'll find information on many subjects, from how to approach and talk to teachers, to what to do if your child isn't fitting-in.

Want to join-in on the conversation about everything from the pitfalls of standardized testing to the benefits of ILP's? Check out Randy Gaschler's blog and an open forum at the Parent Driven Schools site.

The Five Essentials to Your Child's Individual Learning Plan

When a child's education is solely based on memorizing facts, they aren't being prepared for the important journey ahead- how to think critically. Help your child to thrive in the classroom and the working world by encouraging the development of lifelong learning skills.

You can start by creating an Individual Learning Plan with your child to establish a set of learning goals. Your plan should include objectives that incorporate resources, timelines and a means for evaluation. In the short term, this ILP can help your student achieve his or her educational goals. The lifetime goal is for the ILP to teach every student how to become a lifelong learner.

There are five essentials for creating an Individual Learning Plan (ILP)

1. Every student should have an Individualized Learning Plan that is based on an assessment of their interests, abilities and goals.
2. The student should be directly involved in creating the learning plan, and understand the reasons for each component.
3. The ILP should be a working document. Progress is then measured against the contents of the plan, and changes should be made to the plan on an as-needed basis.
4. The plan should be detailed for the short-term with specific activities and tasks, while being connected to the long-term goals of the plan.
5. The plan should include documentation of additional support needs and how they will be provided.

As evidenced by trends in business, the ILP is becoming a more widely accepted strategy to achieve specific results. By teaching the student to use an ILP, he or she will not only already be accustomed to using this tool in a career, but can apply it to any pursuit they may have in life.

How to Use Your Local Library

If you're interested in growing your own life long learner, the good news is you don't have to do it alone. Open the door to a love of reading, community connection and resources by introducing your life long learner to the library.

Today, the library is so much more than just preschool story hour. Your local school or community librarian community is wired-literally and figuratively-- to help students explore and develop their interest and abilities.

Is your student wondering what is like to be a CSI type forensic scientist? There are books, magazines and film or other media available for you to use-free- on the subject.

There is also a sense of adventure that comes with exploring the library. Let your child spend a half an hour roaming the aisles, discovering hidden treasures, without having to worry about them stumbling upon inappropriate material.

The library is also a place to study or read that is not a hustling, bustling coffee shop or bookstore. It opens up a whole new practice for study and learning.

Not able to have the latest technology at your house? Want to see what software or technology is best for your child? Stop in to your school or community library. Both the school and local librarian are paid to read and research the best technologies to promote reading and learning.

And of course, in these tough economic times, the library is your best free source for new reading material. You can't argue with that!

Fast and Easy Tips for Staying Involved in Your Child's Education

Not sure how you can fit one more thing in to your already full schedule? Don't know how to get engaged in helping your student become a lifelong learner? Parent Driven Schools wants to support you! We've listed six ways you can help your child love reading, whether you have five minutes or five hours:

Easy:
Ask your child their favorite book they have read form the library this week. Share with them the favorite book you read when you were their age.

Bonus Easy:
See if you can find the books together at the library.

Effective:
Hug a librarian! Have you met your student's school librarian or media aide? Stop by and say 'hi'. It is their job to bring new ideas and energy to your student's learning environment - and connect the dots to learning outside the classroom. Thank them for their efforts.

Bonus Effective:
Get two or three other parents to join you for a spontaneous 'Love your librarian' moment. Every one needs a pat on the back!

Engaging:
Donate books to your school library. Ask your librarian if there is a wish list. Let other parent know about the wish list. Then, host a coffee hour (think simple and delicious - hot cider and oatmeal cookies, yum!)  Everybody that comes should bring a book to donate to the library. Invite the librarian if you want to create an opportunity to share your attitude of gratitude. Consider making a group commitment to each read five books with your student over the holidays.

Bonus Engagement:
Create a family reading plan, then watch how your vocabulary and understanding of each other grows. Enjoy harvesting all the possibilities of life long learning.