Each curriculum is packed with content. Teachers lament the fact that they have little time to teach all the information that students are expected to know by the end of their course. They are expected to prepare students for standardized tests, teach all levels of students, motivate and engage the uninterested student, and meet all the Illinois Learning Standards for their level. This is truly a daunting task.

Teachers are also aware that most of their students need continued training in accessing and evaluating information. Most students do not have the skills to develop research questions, design a research strategy, conduct effective Internet or database searches, synthesize the information they do locate, cite sources correctly, and avoid plagiarism. As librarians and technology coordinators, we can offer assistance to relieve some of this burden with course design and teaching the components of the Illinois Learning Standards that deal with technology and the information fluency skills.

If the librarian, technology coordinator, or information fluency committee decide that teachers need proof that students do not possess the tools to conduct effective research, a school wide student survey can be performed. The results of the survey will demonstrate the need for the students to learn digital information fluency skills.

Illinois Learning Standards
http://www.isbe.state.il.us/ils/Default.htm
Resource:
DIF skills articulated in the Illinois Learning Standards

Module Activities
1. Discuss: Illinois Learning Standards PowerPoint
2. Discuss: Which of these various standards have you read in the last 2 months? How does knowing the Standards assist us in talking with teachers?
3. Complete Question 3 of the Planning Guide.