Colorado+Information+Literacy+Standards

[|AASL Standards for the 21st Century Learner] The learning standards begin by defining nine foundational common beliefs: The Standards describe how learners use skills, resources, and tools to
 * Common Beliefs**
 * Reading is a window to the world.
 * Inquiry provides a framework for learning.
 * Ethical behavior in the use of information must be taught.
 * Technology skills are crucial for future employment needs.
 * Equitable access is a key component for education.
 * The definition of information literacy has become more complex as resources and technologies have changed.
 * The continuing expansion of information demands that all individuals acquire the thinking skills that will enable them to learn on their own.
 * Learning has a social context.
 * School libraries are essential to the development of learning skills.
 * The Standards**
 * 1) inquire, think critically, and gain knowledge;
 * 2) draw conclusions, make informed decisions, apply knowledge to new situations, and create new knowledge;
 * 3) share knowledge and participate ethically and productively as members of our democratic society;
 * 4) pursue personal and aesthetic growth.

[|Colorado Standards] for Information Literacy Philosophy:
 * [|Quality school libraries]** are a catalyst for increased student achievement and lifelong learning. An effective school librarian, in collaboration with the classroom teacher, empowers all students to become information literate.
 * [|Information literacy]** is the ability to identify information needs, seek out resources to meet those needs, and then analyze, synthesize, evaluate, and communicate the resulting knowledge.

Based on and aligned with [|national standards from the American Library Association]*, Colorado's information literacy standards are tailored to this state and its educational needs. They describe the standards that students must achieve to be “[|information literate]”. Similar in format to [|Colorado’s other educational standards], the following nine standards offer information literacy concepts with a rationale and indicators similar to classroom standards. Each information literacy standard is aligned with the structure of [|Colorado's K-12 Academic Standards]. This creates opportunities for incorporating information literacy instruction with other subject matter being taught in the classroom.

Information Literacy
The information literate student...
 * //[|STANDARD 1]//**
 * ...accesses information efficiently and effectively.**
 * States overview of a topic.
 * Connects ideas and other issues to a main topic.
 * States more than one side to an issue.
 * Indicates when information is complete or incomplete; accurate or inaccurate.
 * Develops essential questions that go beyond facts and are thoughtful.
 * Locates information using a variety of formats.
 * Identifies and uses primary and secondary sources.
 * Locates relevant information to answer research questions.
 * //[|STANDARD 2]//**
 * ...evaluates information critically and competently.**
 * Identifies fact-based information.
 * Demonstrates that differing resources may have conflicting facts.
 * Identifies accurate information by comparing and contrasting topic-related resources.
 * Uses facts and opinions appropriately.
 * Uses identification of point-of-view to assess validity of information.
 * Identifies inaccurate or misleading information.
 * Continually revises topics and research strategies as additional information is uncovered
 * //[|STANDARD 3]//**
 * ...uses information accurately and creatively.**
 * Organizes information appropriately.
 * Demonstrates understanding of essential ideas by using them effectively.
 * Integrates new information, draws conclusions, and connects with prior knowledge.
 * Develops strategies to solve information problems effectively.
 * Selects the best format to communicate the information.

Independent Learning.
The information literate student is an independent learner who...
 * //[|STANDARD 4]//**
 * ...pursues information related to personal interests.**
 * Uses information literacy strategies for real-life situations.
 * Applies information problem-solving skills to personal life.


 * //[|STANDARD 5]//**
 * ...appreciates literature and other creative expressions of information.**
 * Uses a variety of resources and formats for information and personal enjoyment.
 * Reads many things.
 * Reads regularly for pleasure.
 * Extrapolates ideas from creative sources and applies to personal experiences.


 * //[|STANDARD 6]//**
 * ...strives for excellence in information seeking and knowledge generation.**
 * Reflects on and revises work based on feedback.
 * Sets personal criteria and checks quality of work.
 * States personal standards of excellence.

Social Responsibility
The information literate student contributes positively to the learning community and to society and... ...recognizes the importance of information to a democratic society.** ...participates effectively in groups to pursue and generate information.**
 * //[|STANDARD 7]//
 * Examines diverse opinions and points-of-view (i.e., culture, background, historical context, etc.) to develop and modify his own point-of-view.
 * Shares materials.
 * Returns materials on time and in useable condition.
 * //[|STANDARD 8]//**
 * ...practices ethical behavior in regard to information and information technology.**
 * Shows respect for and solicits others’ ideas.
 * Exercises personal rights and responsibilities for freedom of expression.
 * Draws conclusions and states them in his own words.
 * Cites information sources appropriately.
 * Demonstrates responsible use of information technology.
 * //[|STANDARD 9]//
 * Contributes to the success of the group.
 * Shows respect for others’ points-of-view and ideas.
 * Solves information problems in collaboration with others.
 * Reflects on and evaluates his own and the group’s work to improve content, delivery, and work habits.