New Jersey Becomes the First State to Require K-12 Students to Learn Information Literacy

Notably, this initiative received significant bipartisan support in the Legislature — a somewhat unexpected development in today’s political climate.

If there’s even a chance that a conservative individual is reading this, it’s worth noting that even representatives from your party recognize the necessity of this initiative for the survival of our democracy. They agree on the urgent need to counteract the rise of global authoritarianism and the manipulation of public opinion through dangerous propaganda.

Perhaps, for a moment, consider turning off partisan news channels and delve into the article linked above. It’s crucial to differentiate between credible information and fabricated sensationalism designed solely to provoke outrage and manipulate public opinion.

Here’s what both parties in the New Jersey legislature anticipate from the new law.

Under this legislation, the state’s Department of Education, in collaboration with a committee of school library media specialists and educators, will establish information literacy curriculum standards for each school district to integrate into their programs.

The curriculum will minimally cover:

• The research process and the creation of information.
• Critical thinking and effective use of information resources.
• Research methodologies, including distinguishing between primary and secondary sources.
• Understanding the differences between facts, perspectives, and opinions.
• Accessing peer-reviewed print and digital resources.
• The economic, legal, and social implications of information usage.
• The ethical creation of information.

Every state should embrace this initiative. While my local legislature has focused on financial literacy for K-12, the need for information literacy is even more pressing.

When citizens are inundated with falsehoods and trapped in cycles of misinformation that cater to unfounded beliefs, they may react with ignorance, sometimes resorting to violence in their desperation for resolution. This pattern is as predictable as the passage of time.

History is replete with instances of propaganda and deceit, often inciting violence for causes that lack validity.

A heartfelt thank you to New Jersey! This could be the first of many legislative advancements aimed at dismantling harmful misinformation. Let’s hope it effectively diminishes the influence of those who disseminate divisive rhetoric.

It's vital for you to communicate with your local representatives and governors. Advocate for the cessation of the misinformation that poisons our democracies. Encourage them to teach children how to discern fact from fiction. This initiative transcends politics; it’s an effort to elevate the standard of truth in America back to its rightful place.

To any conservatives willing to acknowledge the failures of Trumpism, while you may struggle with those around you clinging to outdated beliefs, we can still strive to safeguard the minds of children who are still learning about the world. This legislation symbolizes a commitment to truthfulness.

Let’s hope New Jersey has signaled an end to the era of deceit. If you identify as a supporter of Trump and have made it this far, consider finding a place to reflect on your choices. The younger generation will soon be laughing at outdated ideologies.