NC S511

Requires all North Carolina public school units to provide age-appropriate informational literacy instruction for grades K-12 beginning with the 2025-2026 school year

Defines informational literacy as skills to recognize when information is needed and to locate, evaluate, and use it effectively, including digital, visual, media, textual, and technological literacy

Mandates the State Board of Education adopt standards covering: the research process, critical thinking skills, primary vs. secondary sources, distinguishing facts from opinions, accessing peer-reviewed resources, and ethical information production

Requires public school units to consult with library/media personnel when developing informational literacy curriculum

Applies to local boards of education, the NC School of Science and Mathematics, and laboratory schools operated by UNC constituent institutions