SB 511

Adds new Part 7 (consisting of GS 115C-76.80 and GS 115C-76.85), concerning instructional requirements for public school units to Article 7B of GS Chapter 115C. Enacts GS 115C-76.85, requiring the State Board of Education (Board) to adopt standards for age-appropriate instruction on information literacy for grades K-12. Defines informational literacy to mean a set of skills that enable an individual to recognize when information is needed and to locate, evaluate, and use the needed information effectively. Sets out seven items that are to be included in the standards, including: (1) methods of research, including the difference between primary and secondary sources, (2) the differences between facts, points of view, and opinions, and (3) the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information. Requires public school administrative units to consult with library/media personnel when developing curriculum for informational literacy standards. Requires each public school unit to provide instruction pursuant to new Part 7 in new GS 115C-76.80. Requires local boards of education (GS 115C-81.67), the NC School of the Arts (GS 116-69.05), and the NC School of Mathematics (GS 116-235) to development and implement informational literacy instruction as required by Part 7. Applies beginning with the 2025-26 school year.