Foreword
This bibliography lists learning resources that have been evaluated by Saskatchewan educators for the support of Middle Level Arts Education Curricula. The purpose of this listing is to provide teachers with suggested starting points toward building a wide range of suitable instructional resources.
The titles of learning resources in this bibliography are offered only as suggestions; teachers are encouraged to investigate other applicable resources and to select additional suitable learning resources.
Saskatchewan Learning has provided one copy of this bibliography to every school that has students at the Elementary Level. Additional copies are available from Saskatchewan Learning Resources Distribution Centre (LRDC), formerly known as the Book Bureau. This publication may be photocopied and is also available on the Saskatchewan Learning website at: http://www.sasked.gov.sk.ca/curr_inst/iru/index.html
Resource-based Learning
The items listed are intended to promote the philosophy of resource-based learning in which the students gain knowledge and understandings through the use of a variety of resources and instructional approaches. In addition to various print materials, the bibliography lists compact discs, audiocassettes, videos, CD-ROMs and kits. This multiresource approach provides students with opportunities to interact with a wide range of current learning resources to suit various learning styles and to address individual students’ needs, interests and abilities.
Teachers are reminded that resource-based courses of study can be enhanced through the use of additional learning resources such as the following:
It is important that human resources be accessed as well. Every community has capable people who can enrich educational experiences. Local and provincial personnel include visual artists, musicians, dancers, actors and elders.
As outlined in Saskatchewan Learning’s Aboriginal and Métis Education Policy From Kindergarten to Grade XII, 1995 and Multicultural and Heritage Language Education Policies, 1994, teachers and teacher-librarians are reminded to include works by and about people from various cultures in their units of studies.
Background Review: Selection Policy and Criteria for Selection
This bibliography provides suggestions for resources; however, it remains the responsibility of classroom teachers, in consultation with teacher-librarians, to preview and select learning resources. Selection should be based on the philosophy and objectives of the curriculum, students’ prior knowledge and experience as well as the interests and needs of the community.
Also, learning resources should be considered in terms of the following characteristics:
Learning resources should be chosen in accordance with the school division’s materials selection policy. Several Saskatchewan Learning publications formerly available from LRDC provide further assistance in the selection process. These include the following:
Diverse Voices: Selecting Equitable Resources for Aboriginal and Métis Education, 1995 - suggests strategies for recognizing and dealing with bias in resources. (Order no. 1901).
Aboriginal and Métis Education Policy From Kindergarten to Grade XII, 1995 - provides rationale and guidelines for integrating Aboriginal and Métis learning resources into curricula. (Order no. 6962).
Learning Resource Centres in Saskatchewan: A Guide for Development, 1988 - provides guidance for developing a selection policy and suggests criteria for selection. (Order no. 5239).
Multicultural and Heritage Language Education Policies, 1994 - provides rationale for integrating multicultural learning resources into curricula. (Order no. 1219).
Selecting Fair and Equitable Materials, 1991 - suggests strategies useful for recognition of bias and stereotypes. (Order no. 751).
Please note that LRDC closed effective March 31, 2003. Educators who require assistance with acquiring curriculum guides, bibliographies and resources developed by Saskatchewan Learning may contact 787-5987.
Analyzing Present Resources
The resources listed in this bibliography should be cross-referenced with the school resource centre catalogue in order to identify suitable resources already present in the school library collection. To support this process, the bibliography includes lists of older but still useful resources and out-of-print resources that many schools may have purchased in previous years.
The Media Index, Index of Suggested Uses and Author Index are useful checklists for identifying resources already present in the school library collection. Teachers may use these indexes to ensure a balance of print and non-print resources within each language strand. Learning resources in the present collection should be assessed based on the needs of the curriculum, the students and teachers.
Points for Consideration in Acquiring New Resources
Resource needs not met by the present collection could be identified by teachers and teacher-librarians working together. Some learning resources may be useful for several grade levels and courses. Teachers are encouraged to coordinate material selection at the school or school division level.
Previewing Resources
Teachers and teacher-librarians are urged to preview learning resources carefully before suggesting them for classroom use, and they are advised to refer to their school division’s selection policy for guidance in making choices about learning resources.
If schools have not been able to preview the learning resources prior to purchase, it is advisable to order only one copy to review before placing orders for multiple copies. Return policies vary from company to company, but if inappropriate learning resources have to be returned, they must be in saleable condition.
Purchasing Resources
Schools interested in purchasing resources may order them from the distributors cited in the distributor directory.