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Do your students have the skills it takes to detect fake and misleading news on social media in the 21st century? Credible research indicates the answer is NO. Most students today can easily create, post, and navigate social media, where they spend so much of their time, but many lack the news literacy skills they need to carry out their civic duties so essential to a healthy democracy.

To help fill the void, I share in my book, Teaching News Literacy with Social Media: Practical Techniques for the Middle and High School Classroom, media evaluation techniques I learned as a CIA analyst. I provide an overview of the skills, including understanding how our biases and mindset make us vulnerable to disinformation; learning how media tries to persuade us; checking facts; and spotting disinformation. I go on to show how students can check how “good” an argument is a news post and how fallacies and manipulation tactics in an often “bad” argument complicate this important skill. I use a mix of trending pop culture media and recurring social studies, civics, and English Language Arts topics to keep students engaged while learning the curriculum.

I suggest teachers use the first part of the school year, from September-December, to weave in these skills. Most chapters include one or two suggested lesson plans, with versions for middle and high school students and accommodations for students with different learning styles, low vision, or are hard of hearing. The book also includes tips for how teachers can make sure each lesson maintains a “safe” classroom that is politically balanced.

The book concludes by showing how to apply the skills to pop culture, civics, ELA, and social studies news posts that recur throughout the school year.

Teachers will find the book an invaluable resource to help students thrive in the 21st century.