Greg Nicholson is LAEP's Manager of Research and Publications. He can be reached via email at gnichols@lalc.k12.ca.us.

LAEP's Research Library is Excellent Resource for Partner Schools By Greg Nicholson Los Angeles Educational Partnership ACCORDING TO AN ARTICLE IN THE October 7, 1998 issue of Education Week, "California is estimated to need 27,000 new teachers a year through 2005." How will this influx of new teachers impact your school? What are some of the best strategies for ensuring these new teachers are successful and contribute to student learning? "It is time to reclaim a purpose for education that is worth having, one that is forged from the more generous impulses and aspirations of democracy and the democratic way of life, one that demands we take action." This is according to James Beane in an article entitled "Reclaiming a Democratic Purpose for Education" in the October 1998 edition of Educational Leadership. What does Mr. Beane think is the current purpose of education? What curriculum and systemic changes would be necessary to realize his vision of a more democratic purpose for education? If you have ever asked yourself questions like these, or wanted more information on educational practices that you can use in your school, now there is a place for you to turn! The Los Angeles Educational Partnership maintains a library of resources available to all stakeholders at schools involved in an LAEP program (i.e. Urban Learning Centers, Learning Community Program, Target Science, etc.). The LAEP Resource Library is a collection of over 1400 educational resources such as articles, journals, books, and videos. If you are interested in information on an education related topic, simply call the Resource Librarian. The librarian will search for appropriate materials and fill the request with information either from the LAEP Resource Library or other sources if necessary. The purpose of the LAEP Resource Library is to allow schools to make informed decisions. Often requests are made of the librarian as schools investigate new programs or ways of organizing their school and desire research to help guide their decision-making process. It is LAEP’s philosophy to provide schools the access to information they will need to become true learning communities. So remember, if you are researching a topic for your work with the schools or need materials for a school study group, the LAEP Resource Library can help. Simply call Greg Nicholson at (213) 622-5237 x 135 with your request and he will help you locate the materials you need. Or, press on this link for a Resource Request form. Simply print out the sheet and FAX it to LAEP with your request. Finally, here are several more links related to educational resources. The Subject Codes sheet lists the topics on which resources are available at the LAEP Resource Library. Also, access Suggested Resources on Educational Reform which lists other avenues for finding the education related resources that may interest you.