Concern: The AASL Standards for the 21st-Century Learner Lesson Plan Database is a useful tool in this time of changing curriculum; however, there are two areas that need improvement in order to make the database more effective.
First, the database needs to be expanded with additional lessons as there are only 112 lessons for all subjects and grade levels. This seems low given this a national database.
Second, there are several ways to search by grade level, subject, and of course, keyword. Librarians can use the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) code here (keyword). However, it would be useful to be able to search by the CCSS categories like "Reading Standards Lit in Science 9-10" or "CCSS Writing 9-10". Although the AASL Crosswalk to the CCSS is available in each lesson plan, the database is not searchable by the CCSS.
This is important because:
1) The limited scope of the database can discourage school librarians from accessing and utilizing this resource.
2) During collaboration, teachers and school librarians need to be able to search for lessons by the general CCSS category.
Action Requested: Facilitate more contributions of lessons plans to the AASL Standards for the 21st-Century Learner Lesson Plan Database. Make the AASL Standards for the 21st-Century Learner Lesson Plan Database searchable by the Common Core State Standards.
Result: The lesson plan database is in a state of transition as the current host company has gone out of business.
