Define an Information Task

  • 1.18

    Independently select a topic. MSLA 1.18

  • 1.19

    Develop an essential question to answer. MSLA 1.19

  • 1.20

    Skim/read all sources to provide background information and generate subsidiary questionsMSLA 1.20

  • 1.21

    Develop a thesis statement, demonstrating a particular point of view. MSLA 1.21

Develop Information Seeking Strategies

  • 2.18

    Use a strategy for finding relevant information from a variety of resources, shifting the strategy as necessary, based on availability and relevanceMSLA 2.18

  • 2.19

    Assess the value of various types of electronic resources for data gathering, including databases, internet sites, ebooks, community and government resources. MSLA 2.19

  • 2.20

    Independently develop keywords and phrases to search for information. MSLA 2.20

  • 2.21

    Use information sources of all types to explore a topic. MSLA 2.21

  • 2.22

    Narrow or expand a topic based on preliminary searching. MSLA 2.22

  • 2.23

    Select primary and secondary sources as appropriate. MSLA 2.23

Locate and Access Information

  • 3.13

    Independently develop and implement an information search strategy. MSLA 3.13

  • 3.14

    Select the best sources for the information need. MSLA 3.14

Use Information

  • 4a

    Evaluation for Appropriateness

    1. 4.6

      Practice independent critical thinking when reviewing a potential information source by: • distinguishing between verifiable facts and opinion • detecting bias• identifying the purpose • distinguishing between relevant and irrelevant information recognizing inconsistencies or false claims  MSLA 4.6

  • 4b

    Extraction of Most Relevant Information

    1. 4.17

      Gather information to support a point of view in persuasive writing. MSLA 4.17

  • 4c

    Ethical Behavior in Information Use

    1. 4.24

      Demonstrate legal and ethical behaviors among peers, family and community regarding the use of technology and information.  MSLA 4.24

    2. 4.25

      Demonstrate understanding of copyright law. MSLA 4.25

Synthesize Information

  • 5.10

    Consider the purpose and audience for the product and/or presentation. MSLA 5.10

  • 5.11

    Select an appropriate media format to communicate new understandings and new knowledge.MSLA 5.11

  • 5.12

    Create a storyboard, script, layout or rough draft of research notes.  MSLA 5.12

  • 5.13

    Use appropriate editing, dictionary and thesaurus tools to produce a polished, original product that clearly communicates research results. MSLA 5.13

Participate in Collaborative Activities

  • 6.15

    Integrate their own knowledge and information with that of others in the group. MSLA 6.15

  • 6.16

    Actively listen to and respectfully respond to the point of view of others.MSLA 6.16

  • 6.17

    Collaborate with others to lead, facilitate, negotiate and otherwise participate in defining the information needs of a group. MSLA 6.17

  • 6.18

    Participate actively in group discussions to devise solutions to information problems that integrate group members’ information and ideas.MSLA 6.18

  • 6.19

    Work to move the group to consensus after substantive conversations and sharing of information and ideas among all the members of the group. MSLA 6.19

  • 6.20

    Help organize and integrate the contributions of all the members of the group into information products. MSLA 6.20

  • 6.21

    Work with others to create and evaluate complex information products that integrate information in a variety of formats. MSLA 6.21

  • 6.22

    Participate effectively as a member of a group in evaluating the content and delivery of its work and the effectiveness of the group’s work habits. MSLA 6.22

Evaluate the Process and the Product

  • 7.11

    Voluntarily apply legal principles and ethical conduct related to information technology such as: copyright, plagiarism, privacy, online etiquette, acceptable use of resources. MSLA 7.11

Appreciate Literature

  • 8.20

    Identify award-winning books, their selection criteria, and attributes. MSLA 8.20

  • 8.21

    Perform preliminary research to enhance appreciation of literature.MSLA 8.21

  • 8.22

    Demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics of the different literary genres, including: fantasy, folklore, poetry, drama, biography, short stories, science fiction, historical fiction, realistic fiction, humor, etc.MSLA 8.22

Frequently asked questions

What grade levels do these standards cover?
Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, and Grade 12
Where can I read the official document?
Massachusetts School Library Association