"School Achievement Through Libraries" Award Program

The South Dakota State Library, a division of the SD Department of Education, formally and annually recognizes schools with libraries that demonstrate accomplished and exemplary practice in each of the three pillars of school librarianship: Program, Place, and Professional.

SDSL's School Achievement Through Libraries (SATL) is an award program with a dual purpose:

1. To recognize outstanding school library programs and school library professionals.
2. To provide guidance in school librarianship best practices.

The award program is self-paced and requirements may be fulfilled at any time. Applicants who fulfill all requirements by July 1 will be recognized with award announcements at the beginning of the school year and at an annual conference held in the fall. Award status is valid for a three-year period.

The "School Achievement Through Libraries" award is replacing the 21st Century Award.

School libraries make a powerful difference in student achievement and benefit every learner in the school community. Highly effective school libraries support the whole child by encouraging reading for academic and personal growth; by supporting the development of research strategies to create and share new knowledge; by teaching ethical participation in an interconnected world; and by promoting a school culture of reading and lifelong learning.

It is the mission of the school library to:

• provide all learners a 21st century collaborative program for learning and teaching.
• provide a place for both a physical and virtual learning environment.
• provide access to a highly qualified professional for leadership in creating, promoting, and sustaining the program and place.

Applicants will earn 15 CECHs upon successful fulfillment of the program requirements.

Application

Applicants will fulfill a task checklist via our SATL Program in Canvas.