Standard D: Present and Explain Positions

A student should be able to think logically and reflectively in order to present and explain positions based on relevant and reliable information.

Rationale: Students must examine their own and others' perspectives, and communicate their opinions and ideas. They must be able to craft new knowledge based on serious research and systematic inquiry.

A student who meets this standard should be able to:

1. develop a position by:
   • reflecting on personal experiences, prior knowledge, and new information,
   • formulating and refining questions
   • identifying a variety of pertinent sources of information,
   • analyzing and synthesizing information, and
   • determining an author's purposes,
2. evaluate the validity, objectivity, reliability, and quality of information read, heard, and seen;
3. give credit and cite references as appropriate; and
4. explain and defend a position orally, in writing, and with visual aids as appropriate.