Getting started with news literacy

Educators who are new to teaching news literacy will appreciate this document, which offers an overview of what news literacy is and some tips for getting started. This includes a definition. News literacy is the ability to determine the credibility of news and other content. Becoming skilled in news literacy also means recognizing the critical role of the First Amendment and a free press in a democracy. News literacy empowers people of all ages and backgrounds to be more active in their communities and more equal and engaged participants in civic life.

The News Literacy Project recommends starting with reviewing the Framework for Teaching News Literacy, which is designed to help educators integrate news literacy into existing curriculum or create stand-alone courses or units. The framework provides common standards, essential questions and knowledge/skills objectives, along with suggested performance tasks and learning activities. The document contains additional resources as well to consider for educational use.