SIRS Knowledge Source K-12 Newsletter

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August 2007
SIRS Updates
Did you know that SIRS supports visual literacy standards, a vital part of the 21st Century Schools Initiative? SIRS recent additions include PDF versions of articles, which help students to understand meaning by learning to decode visual elements. And forget getting the same duplicated images and head shots, SIRS’ boasts over 15K research-quality graphics that promote inquiry-based learning. In addition, new multimedia features have been added to SIRS Leading Issues, bringing the best combination of information, media, and visual literacies together to engage students to solve the issues of the day.

Classroom Activity
SIRS Leading Issues provides excellent models of both traditional and updated, innovative formats students can utilitze to express their reasoned opinions. These models integrate the unique steps in our SIRS Pro vs. Con format into the methods students employ to organize and present information. Learn how to help teachers and students get more involved in the research process in this month's activity.

SIRS Stories
"...if [my students] use SIRS... there is a staff of professionals doing that work
[source evaluation] for them--they don't have to bother with trying to decide
authority, currency, etc. It's done for them."

"And, really, wouldn't we all rather have someone doing the hard, frustrating stuff for us? I know I would. (Of course, Wikipedia does not show up as a SIRS hit.) I'm not saying students don't need to learn those critical thinking skills, I'm just saying 11 year olds and younger are not ready, and cannot do it. It's too many steps and takes too much prior knowledge."
Marcia S., Maryland LMS

How do you use SIRS with students and staff?
Send us your teaching ideas and stories today.

CultureGrams in Focus
CultureGrams can help broaden your students' understanding of the world.
Visit Congo-Brazzaville online.

Top 3 Websites
Each month, our editorial team scours the Internet for top-quality sites for teachers and students. Get connected.

SIRS Podcast

Introduce staff and students to SIRS Researcher.

See ProQuest

Oct. 3-5, Springfield, Missouri
Missouri Library Association

Oct. 17-19, Nashville, Tennessee
T+L Conference

Oct. 25-27, Reno, Nevada
American Assocation of School Librarians (AASL)

Calling all Web 2.0 Addicts
Going to AASL? Register here to be on our
usability panel and meet with other like-minded
professionals as we explore new methods
for connecting SIRS with the next generation of
library patrons. Invitations to selected
individuals will be sent prior to the event.

Leading Issue: Immigration

America is a nation of immigrants. Since the terrorist attacks of 9/11/01, lawmakers have sought to revise immigration laws and policies in order to increase national security. Those who favor unrestricted immigration say that immigrants provide cheap labor and services and keep costs down for American consumers.

Those opposed say that immigrants take jobs away from American citizens and put a strain on government-financed social services. Learn more about the pros and cons of
today's immigration issues inside SIRS Leading Issues.

Free SIRS Photo Essays Available
Looking for colorful, fact-filled mini-posters to post in your media center or classroom? Our SIRS staff can send you a
set of SIRS Photo Essays focused on Horses, Dogs, Cats,
or Birds. Each essay pack includes 4-6 individual posters measuring 11 X 14 inches. Allow 4-8 weeks for delivery; quantities are limited. To request your essay(s),
send an email to tim.mclain@il.proquest.com and
copy/paste this into your email and change it as
necessary before sending:

Jane Doe
Anytown School
123 Main Street
Anytown, NC 27502
Essays: Horses, Dogs, Cats, Birds, or ANY

Spread Knowledge: Marketing Kit
Help spread the word in your school about SIRS! Print all-new, full-color handouts, notices, and bookmarks; retrieve
fresh static and animated icons; link to new videos explaining the importance of the media center and your digital subscriptions; and much more. Available mid-August here.

K-12 Website Updates
The newest additions to proquestk12.com, your single source for hands-on K-12 solution information:
New SIRS Knowledge Source Information Pages (Web)
New SIRS Researcher Training Video (Flash)
Leading Issues Handout (PDF)
Sample Searches (PDF)

Free Online Training Opportunities
Our ProQuest product trainers are standing by to help you get the most out of your subscription. Attendees can obtain a Certificate of Attendance for any of our online courses. Our training sessions cover after-school hours within several time zones. Tap into this month's free training schedules (by class
or date) then register for a course today. (Monthly training dates reminder email signup.)


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