Document Type

Breakout Session

Publication Date

11-2010

Abstract

Of New York State’s largest urban school districts, Rochester ranks lowest with an appalling graduation rate of 39%.1 With goals of keeping our poorest children in school and focusing their futures on college, SUNY Geneseo hosted 50 young “CSI candidates” who worked tirelessly to solve fictitious art thefts. Library research, blogging, public speaking, interviewing, forensic science, and digital photography were among the skills incorporated, forming a solid base of critical literacy for these young scholars. Milne Library helped create an educational yet recreational learning environment by offering instructors, classroom space, technology, potential suspects, and ultimately, one of the indicted “criminals.”

Susan Norman will offer the overarching goals of the RYSAG (Rochester Young Scholars Academy at Geneseo) program, the results of our efforts, and plans for the future. Kim Davies Hoffman will bring focus to the importance of libraries and librarians in the struggle to keep children (specifically those from the inner city) in school and aiming high towards a successful future.

1. Who’ll lead city schools, Rochester Democrat & Chronicle, 10/27/07

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