January 15, 2021

Hi Everyone, 

I’ve shared bits and pieces about the recent update to the State Library’s contract for statewide access to LearningExpress Library (LEL). The biggest change is the addition of PrepSTEP for High Schools. This is my attempt to consolidate information into one email while addressing questions I’ve received. This email is long, but the bolded section headings should help you find specific information. 

Links on OSLIS Changed / Access & Navigation

Access to LearningExpress Library and PrepSTEP is on the Find Information pages of OSLIS.

• On the secondary Find Information page, clicking on the LEL logo now leads to the landing page for PrepSTEP for High Schools. Under the logo, I added two links: Middle School and High School. The High School link also leads to PrepSTEP for High Schools. Middle School leads to the School Center page of LearningExpress Library. However, everyone is welcome to explore both platforms.  
• On the elementary Find Information page, the logo leads to the School Center page of LearningExpress Library.

The LEL School Center has resources to help students develop skills in math, reading, writing, and social studies. Elementary-level content is for upper grades, and social studies resources are not available. All users are able to click on the Centers menu in the blue toolbar at the top of the page to explore other centers, including Computer Skills Center. That’s true whether you are using LEL or PrepSTEP, although some centers are different in each. The PrepSTEP flyer indicates unique vs. common content. 

There has always been a Questions link under the LEL logo that leads to a brief FAQ, including information about how to register for an account. Today I added some additional content to the Questions page. FYI, if you already have a LearningExpress Library account, that login will work for either LEL or PrepSTEP. 

What is LearningExpress Library?

It’s a special database that offers resources to help students and adults prepare for tests like SAT and GRE; build skills in reading, writing, and math; hone resume-writing and interview skills; explore some careers; understand the basics of some life skills like study habits and money management; and more. Content is mostly relevant to middle and high school, and access is on the Find Information page of OSLIS – elementary and secondary. 

What is PrepSTEP for High Schools?

PrepSTEP is basically a consolidation of the resources in LearningExpress Library that are most relevant to high schoolers, with some extra core skills content (reading, math, etc.). Additionally, PrepSTEP has the option to integrate with a few learning management systems (LMS): Blackboard, Brightspace, Canvas, and now Schoology. That functionality allows teachers to upload PrepSTEP content to an LMS and and assign it to students. The PrepSTEP flyer has more details.   

PrepSTEP Webinar Recording
Updated: As a reminder, two LearningExpress/EBSCO staff hosted a webinar on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 for interested Oregon school library staff, teachers, and counselors at the high school level. There was a high-level overview of what LearningExpress Library offers, but most of the webinar focused on comparing the groups of resources that are available in LEL vs. PrepSTEP and providing some information about the optional LMS integration which allows instructors to assign PrepSTEP content to students. This is the webinar recording. (LearningExpress was purchased by EBSCO a few years ago, so that's why the trainers are from EBSCO.) 

PrepSTEP Flyer

The front of this flyer highlights the major differences between LearningExpress Library and PrepSTEP for High Schools. The back shows content that is unique to LEL, unique to PrepSTEP, and available in both platforms. The flyer is also available in the Google folder of OSLIS resources (http://bit.ly/oslis-resources) and linked in the teacher content section at the bottom of the secondary educator Find Information page. 

As always, if you have questions, please ask. Please share this information with relevant staff.  

Thanks,
Jen

Jen Maurer
School Library Consultant
State Library of Oregon