Bill > S511

This bill aims to establish comprehensive informational literacy education requirements for public schools in North Carolina. The bill defines informational literacy as a set of skills that help individuals recognize, locate, evaluate, and effectively use information, which includes digital, visual, media, textual, and technological literacy. The State Board of Education is mandated to develop age-appropriate standards for kindergarten through 12th grade that cover seven key areas: understanding the research process, developing critical thinking skills, learning research methods, distinguishing between facts and opinions, accessing library resources, understanding the social and legal implications of information use, and promoting ethical information production. Local school boards and educational institutions will be required to implement these standards, and they are encouraged to consult with library and media personnel when developing the curriculum. The bill will take effect when signed into law and will be implemented starting in the 2025-2026 school year, with the goal of equipping students with essential skills to navigate and critically analyze information in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S511