Information Literacy is the ability to access, evaluate, and use information from a variety of sources for a variety of intended purposes. As we encounter major educational reform in this new millennium, Information Literacy, a concept which has been around since the mid l980's, will become a critical tool which should be an integral part of instruction. It is not an add on, but a tool and a strategy to build communication, critical thinking, and problem solving skills across the curriculum. CSAP and other new testing models require these skills. Library Information Specialists, in collaboration with classroom teachers and other staff, will use Information Literacy Standards as a guide for the instruction and learning which take place in the LIC and continues in the classroom.
"This ability is central to all successful learning and by extension to all successful living."(ED372756 May 94 Information Literacy in an Information Society. ERIC Digest.)

Introduction and Philosophy

Quick Reference: Five Information Literacy Skills/Indicators Summarized

Standard 1:  Students as Knowledge Seekers

Grades K-4
Grades 5-8
Grades 9-12

Students understand how to use and construct meaning from the information resources available to them.
K-4 Competencies/Performance Expectations
5-8 Competencies/Performance Expectations
9-12 Competencies/Performance Expectations

Standard 2:  Students as Quality Producers

Grades K-4
Grades 5-8
Grades 9-12

Students apply the knowledge seeking process to plan, create, present, and evaluate quality products.
K-4 Competencies/Performance Expectations
5-8  Competencies/Performance Expectations
9-12 Competencies/Performance Expectations

Standard 3:  Students as Self-directed Learners

Grades K-4
Grades 5-8
Grades 9-12

Students are self-directed, independent learners who read for pleasure and to explore topics of interest.
K-4 Competencies/Performance Expectations
5-8 Competencies/Performance Expectations
9-12 Competencies/Performance Expectations

Standard 4:  Students as Group Contributors

Grades K-4
Grades 5-8
Grades 9-12

Students participate effectively as group members, share their own ideas, and respect those of others.
K-4 Competencies/Performance Expectations
5-8  Competencies/Performance Expectations
9-12 Competencies/Performance Expectations

Standard 5:  Students as Responsible Information Users

Grades K-4
Grades 5-8
Grades 9-12

Students practice ethical use of information and information technologies.
K-4 Competencies/Performance Expectations
5-8 Competencies/Performance Expectations
9-12 Competencies/Performance Expectations

Activity Matrix ~ Suggested activities to use collaboratively with teachers

K-8 Language Arts Standards, Key Components, and Benchmarks for K-8 with examples for meaning/suggested activities

Big6 Matrix: Information Literacy Standards and Internet Research

Information Literacy Units  for Middle Grades (CDE)

Information Literacy Units for Elementary Grades (CDE)

Works Cited Sample Entries - MLA Format

Online References

Colorado School Library Media Standards for Information Literacy

CSAP Performance Level Descriptions

How School Librarians Help Kids Achieve Standards (Colorado II, 2000) by Library Research Service (Colorado State Library and University of Denver)

Information Literacy Resources (CDE)

Information Power (American Association of School Libraries)

Jefferson County Content Standards, Benchmarks and Performance Expectations

Jefferson County Schools Assessment Documents

Jefferson County Student Technology Skills

Mike Eisenberg's and Bob Berkowitz' Big6 Skillsô

Writing Team

Bonnie Killin, Library Services Coordinator
Roberta Ponis, Library Services Coordinator, (Retired)
Karen Arnold - Hackberry Hill Elementary
Bobbi Craig - Jefferson High School
Diane Freeman - Arvada West
Maureen Gamble - Peck Elementary
MaryLou Golding - Carmody Middle School
Bill Hardt - Warren Tech
Francie Newberry - Shelton Elementary
Pam McDonnel - Dakota Ridge
Diane Mulvany - Ralston Valley
Terrie Richardson - Instructional Technology Team
Lynne Shaver - West Woods Elementary
Chrisette Soderberg - Ute Meadows Elementary
Sue Lockwood Summers - Westgate Elementary
Barb Tacker - Instructional Technology Team
Billie Wolter - Rooney Ranch Elementary

(hotlinked names above)

Please email any comments concerning the Information Literacy Standards.

FastCounter by bCentral