• Library Curriculum Overview: High School
     
    The mission of the North Allegheny Library program is to empower students to become effective users of ideas and information in all formats in a constantly changing learning environment.  The library program increases the access to global information sources and the use of technologies as effective learning and teaching tools. In addition, the library program is focused on supporting the development of  student literacy by connecting students  with good literature and positive reading experiences. The comprehensive end goal is to support the creation of students who are life long readers and learners.
     
    At the high school level, the librarians provide access to and instruction in the use of a variety of information sources, as information literacy and technology objectives are totally integrated with curricular objectives from various disciplines. The Library curriculum includes the following competencies: location, evaluation, and access of materials, information and technological literacy, literature appreciation and understanding, and responsible citizenship in the use of information.  A sequential problem-solving research approach is taught as students gather, interpret, and organize information for curricular projects. Standardized systems for citing sources are also taught. The teaching of these information and technology objectives is the joint responsibility of the librarians and the subject area teachers, who plan together to develop and deliver lessons.
     
    Students also have frequent opportunities, through the use of study hall and research passes, to use the library to pursue individual academic needs and personal interests. The libraries are open both before and after school. As students participate in these learning activities, they discover the wide applicability of information literacy and technology skills to all areas of study and develop the independent skills necessary to function successfully in today’s information-rich world.  Each upper secondary library is staffed by a full-time certified librarian as well as a library secretary.
     
    Library Program of Studies: High School

    9th Grade

    Students will receive instruction from the librarian on a regular basis in core curricular and special subject areas. Time will be provided to independently select books of interest.

    Literacy: Students will continue to develop life-long reading skills with a special emphasis on utilizing resources for personal enjoyment and to meet information needs.

    Research: Students will familiarize themselves with the components and functions of an academically-oriented library. Under mandated time restraints, students will utilize a standardized research process to independently select and evaluate information sources and practice ethical behaviors. They will formulate and summarize relevant information for research by accessing local and global resources.

    Technology: Students will review the skills learned in eighth grade, and further develop knowledge of website navigation, research databases, and other age appropriate technology. Students will begin to independently implement cloud computing and collaborative platforms for learning.

     

    10th Grade
    Students will receive instruction from the librarian on a regular basis in core curricular and special subject areas. Time will be provided to independently select books of interest.

    Literacy: Students will identify the components of world literature and its impact on cross-cultural learning. Students will continue to develop life-long reading skills with a special emphasis on setting goals for information and leisure reading.

    Research: Students will identify methods of information organization in both print and nonprint media. Students will continue to ethically evaluate research sources, with a focus on unsubstantiated and biased information. Students will develop self-sufficiency in monitoring ethical use and synthesis of information in final, published documents. They will begin to explore the purpose and function of an annotated bibliography.

    Technology: Students will review the skills learned in ninth grade, and further develop knowledge of website navigation, research databases, and other age appropriate technology. Students will continue to independently implement cloud computing and collaborative platforms for learning. 

     
    11th Grade

    Students will receive instruction from the librarian on a regular basis in core curricular and special subject areas. Time will be provided to independently select books of interest.

    Literacy: Students will independently employ and evaluate strategies for self-guided academic and leisure reading.

    Research: Students will analyze strategies, findings, and data associated with the research process. They will continue to enhance their knowledge of information organization with an emphasis on multiple levels of academic sources. Students will become proficient in the ethical use of information.

    Technology: Students will review the skills learned in tenth grade, and further develop knowledge of website navigation, research databases, and other age appropriate technology. Students will continue to independently implement cloud computing and collaborative platforms for learning.

     

    12th Grade

    Students will receive instruction from the librarian on a regular basis in core curricular and special subject areas. Time will be provided to independently select books of interest.

    Literacy: Students will develop an appreciation for the variety of literary works and their impact on post-secondary endeavors and goals.

    Research: Students will understand various bibliographic styles and recognize their function in subject-specific research. Students will continue to implement complex search strategies in locating information. They will display a mastery of the ethical use of information.

    Technology: Students will review the skills learned in eleventh grade, and further develop knowledge of website navigation, research databases, and other age appropriate technology. Students will continue to independently implement cloud computing and collaborative platforms for learning. Students will identify the relevance and efficiency of specific computer softwares.