What do teens really think about the news—and how prepared are they to navigate today’s complex information landscape? In this episode of Unpacking Education, we’re joined by Kim Bowman and Peter Adams from the News Literacy Project to explore the results of their national survey, News Literacy in America: A Study of Teen Information, Attitudes, Habits, and Skills. With insights from over 1,100 teens, the data reveals both a significant gap in media literacy instruction and a powerful call to action: 94% of teens believe media literacy should be a required part of school.

Our conversation digs into what students are seeing in their feeds—from conspiracy theories to sponsored content—and how well they’re able to distinguish between reliable journalism and misinformation. Kim and Peter break down five key standards for news literacy, discuss how even small doses of instruction can boost trust and civic engagement, and offer actionable strategies to help educators integrate these critical skills across content areas.

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In today’s episode, we'll explore how the free Google add-on AI Trust You can increase open and honest communication between students and teachers regarding AI use on assignments. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.

In this episode of Unpacking Education, we dive into the realities of teaching in a tech-saturated world with educator and author Lisa Green. Drawing from her book Outsmarted: The Changing Face of Learning in the Era of Smartphones and Technology, Lisa explores how smartphones, social media, and technology are transforming the way students learn, socialize, and engage in the classroom.

Lisa shares practical classroom strategies that blend structure, coaching, and empathy—from using visual timers and sticky note checklists to fostering digital self-awareness. “They need to learn to manage this piece on their own,” she says of students and their phones. Join us as we unpack how educators can guide students toward healthy tech habits while positively leveraging digital tools. Visit AVID Open Access to learn more.