Project Look Sharp: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Media Literacyliteracy Initiativeinitiative}}

{{Orphan|date=June 2025}}

{{Draft topics|asia|education}}

{{AfC topic|org}}

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{{AFC submission|d|t=16:30, 13 June 2025 (UTC)}}

'''Project Look Sharp (PLS)''' is a nonprofit media literacy initiative based at Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York. Founded in 1996, it focusesdevelops oneducational integratingmaterials and professional development programs designed to support critical thinking and media analysis intoin educationclassroom through the use of inquiry-based pedagogysettings. Project LookThe Sharporganization providesdistributes free curriculum kits and professionaloffers developmenttraining tofor educators across disciplines and grade levels. ItIts isinstructional known for itsmodel, Constructivist Media Decoding (CMD) approach, which teachesencourages students to critically analyzeexamine media messages by askingevaluating questions aboutsource, purpose, audience, and omissionscredibility.<ref>Rogow, Faith. ''Media Literacy for Young Children''. NAEYC, 2023. https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/books/media-literacy</ref>

== Project Look Sharp ==

=== History ===

'''Project Look Sharp (PLS)''' is a nonprofit media literacy initiative based at Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York. Founded in 1996, it focuses on integrating critical thinking and media analysis into education through the use of inquiry-based pedagogy. Project Look Sharp provides free curriculum kits and professional development to educators across disciplines and grade levels. It is known for its Constructivist Media Decoding (CMD) approach, which teaches students to critically analyze media messages by asking questions about purpose, audience, and omissions.<ref>Rogow, Faith. ''Media Literacy for Young Children''. NAEYC, 2023. https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/books/media-literacy</ref>

Project Look Sharp was launchedbegan in 1996 as athrough collaboration between educatorsfaculty and academic researcherseducators at Ithaca College. The organization’s earlyInitial workefforts focused on local school partnershipsschools in upstate New York andbefore graduallyexpanding expandednationally toand serveinternationally. nationalThe and international audiences.organization Itsthen freedeveloped curriculum kits and educator trainingworkshops programsin gainedresponse tractionto inincreased theinterest 2000s asin media literacy gained prominence in education policy discussions.<ref>Disability Rights New York. ''2020 White Paper on Media Literacy''.</ref>

In the 2010s, ProjectPLS Lookcontributed Sharpto partneredinternational on global education projectsinitiatives, including a U.S. State Department-funded initiativeeducation project in Panama and a curriculum integrationdevelopment effortprogram in Turkey.<ref>Riggio, Olivia. “Not"Not All Media Literacy Programs Are Created Equal.”" FAIR, December 15, 2020. https://fair.org/home/not-all-media-literacy-programs-are-created-equal/</ref>

=== History ===

Project Look Sharp was launched in 1996 as a collaboration between educators and academic researchers at Ithaca College. The organization’s early work focused on local school partnerships in upstate New York and gradually expanded to serve national and international audiences. Its free curriculum kits and educator training programs gained traction in the 2000s as media literacy gained prominence in education policy discussions.<ref>Disability Rights New York. ''2020 White Paper on Media Literacy''.</ref>

In 2021, the organizationgroup launched the “Librarians"Librarians as Leaders for Media Literacy”Literacy" (ML3) initiative with support from the Booth-Ferris Foundation. InA 2023, a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) enabled the development offunded a national ML3 expansion plan in collaborationdeveloped with the [[American Association of School Librarians]] (AASL).<ref>Institute of Museum and Library Services. “ML3"ML3 Grant Award.”" https://www.imls.gov/grants/awarded/re-254855-ols-23</ref><ref>American Association of School Librarians. “2024"2024 Best Digital Tools for Teaching & Learning.”" https://standards.aasl.org/best-tools</ref>

In the 2010s, Project Look Sharp partnered on global education projects, including a U.S. State Department-funded initiative in Panama and a curriculum integration effort in Turkey.<ref>Riggio, Olivia. “Not All Media Literacy Programs Are Created Equal.” FAIR, December 15, 2020. https://fair.org/home/not-all-media-literacy-programs-are-created-equal/</ref>

== Approach ==

In 2021, the organization launched the “Librarians as Leaders for Media Literacy” (ML3) initiative with support from the Booth-Ferris Foundation. In 2023, a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) enabled the development of a national ML3 expansion plan in collaboration with the American Association of School Librarians (AASL).<ref>Institute of Museum and Library Services. “ML3 Grant Award.” https://www.imls.gov/grants/awarded/re-254855-ols-23</ref><ref>American Association of School Librarians. “2024 Best Digital Tools for Teaching & Learning.” https://standards.aasl.org/best-tools</ref>

ProjectThe Lookorganization Sharp’suses signaturea teachingmethod approach iscalled Constructivist Media Decoding (CMD), which promptsengages students toin evaluateanalyzing media by askingposing structured questions regardingabout sourceauthorship, intentbias, and credibilityaudience. CMDThis approach emphasizes studentinquiry-centered inquiry and activebased learning over passiverote receptioninstruction.

[[The RAND Corporation]] included Project Look Sharp in its Truth Decay Resource Hub, citing its role in teaching media analysis skills.<ref>RAND Corporation. "Truth Decay Resource Hub." https://www.rand.org/research/projects/truth-decay/fight-disinformation.html</ref> The journal ''Social Education'' published a case study of CMD in the context of online instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>Scheibe, Cyndy, and Chris Sperry. "Rx for an Infodemic: Media Decoding, COVID-19, and Online Teaching." ''Social Education'', vol. 84, no. 3, May/June 2020.</ref>

=== Pedagogy ===

Project Look Sharp’s signature teaching approach is Constructivist Media Decoding (CMD), which prompts students to evaluate media by asking structured questions regarding source, intent, and credibility. CMD emphasizes student-centered inquiry and active learning over passive reception.

CMD ishas alsobeen discussedcited in teacherseveral education videos,<ref>Media Education Lab. “College Teacher Case Study.” https://d10.mediaeducationlab.com/teacher-case-study-video-college</ref>academic dissertations,<ref>Moss, Scott H. ''Critical Algorithmic Literacy.'' UCLA Dissertation. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3jf0g48h</ref><ref>Collet-Gildard, Lauren. ''Critical Media Literacy in Social Studies: A Case Study.'' SUNY Albany Thesis. https://scholarsarchive.library.albany.edu/legacy-etd/2655/</ref> teacher training materials,<ref>Media Education Lab. "College Teacher Case Study." https://d10.mediaeducationlab.com/teacher-case-study-video-college</ref> and academicpeer-reviewed reviewspublications.<ref>Smith, Julie. “Book"Book Review: The Teacher’sTeacher's Guide to Media Literacy.”" ''JMLE'', vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 96–98. https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1189&context=jmle</ref>

This methodology has been positively received by independent education experts. In a RAND Corporation analysis of tools countering misinformation, Project Look Sharp was included in the Truth Decay Resource Hub for its capacity to build media analysis skills.<ref>RAND Corporation. “Truth Decay Resource Hub.” https://www.rand.org/research/projects/truth-decay/fight-disinformation.html</ref>

== Programs and curriculum ==

The journal ''Social Education'' highlighted CMD’s effectiveness in teaching students to evaluate public health media during the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>Scheibe, Cyndy, and Chris Sperry. “Rx for an Infodemic: Media Decoding, COVID-19, and Online Teaching.” ''Social Education'', vol. 84, no. 3, May/June 2020.</ref>

Project Look Sharp offersmaintains a collection of more than 900 free, downloadable lessons for K–12 and higherpostsecondary education,. coveringThese lessons cover topics likesuch climateas changeenvironmental issues, historical propaganda, digital citizenshipliteracy, and globalcivic historyengagement.<ref>Project Look Sharp. “Curriculum"Curriculum Kits.”" https://www.projectlooksharp.org</ref> The [[New York State Education Department]] includeslists Project Look SharpPLS in its 2025 Media Literacy Toolkit as a leadingrecommended content providerresource for grades 7–12secondary and collegepostsecondary educators.<ref>New York State Education Department. “Media"Media Literacy Toolkit.”" https://www.nysed.gov/sites/default/files/media-literacy-toolkit.pdf</ref>

The organization alsooffers providestraining and professional development for teachers and librarians throughvia webinars, workshopsconference sessions, and conferenceschool-based presentationsworkshops. ItsThe ML3 program trainsprovides schoolmedia librariansliteracy asleadership mediatraining literacyfor leaderslibrarians and has been recognizedendorsed by national education groups such as AASL.<ref>Center for Educational Equity. “Strategic"Strategic Action Plan for Media Literacy.”" 2024.</ref>

CMD is also discussed in teacher education videos,<ref>Media Education Lab. “College Teacher Case Study.” https://d10.mediaeducationlab.com/teacher-case-study-video-college</ref> dissertations,<ref>Moss, Scott H. ''Critical Algorithmic Literacy.'' UCLA Dissertation. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/3jf0g48h</ref><ref>Collet-Gildard, Lauren. ''Critical Media Literacy in Social Studies: A Case Study.'' SUNY Albany Thesis. https://scholarsarchive.library.albany.edu/legacy-etd/2655/</ref> and academic reviews.<ref>Smith, Julie. “Book Review: The Teacher’s Guide to Media Literacy.” ''JMLE'', vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 96–98. https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1189&context=jmle</ref>

PLS hasmaterials have been featuredincluded in mediaseveral literacyeducator and library resource bankscollections,<ref>Colorado Department of Education. “Media"Media Literacy Resource Bank.”" https://www.cde.state.co.us/medialiteracy/media-literacy-resource-bank</ref> and guides,<ref>KQED. “Digital"Digital Resources for Teaching About Media.”" https://www.kqed.org/education/digital-resources-for-teaching-about-media</ref> in educator toolkits,<ref>Democracy Toolkit. https://democracytoolkit.press/resources/emphasize-media-literacy-classroom/</ref> and inhave received grant support from regional library awardssystems.<ref>Rochester Regional Library Council. “ARPA"ARPA Library Grant Award.”" https://rrlc.org/services/arpa</ref>

=== Curriculum and Programs ===

Project Look Sharp offers more than 900 free, downloadable lessons for K–12 and higher education, covering topics like climate change, propaganda, digital citizenship, and global history.<ref>Project Look Sharp. “Curriculum Kits.” https://www.projectlooksharp.org</ref> The New York State Education Department includes Project Look Sharp in its 2025 Media Literacy Toolkit as a leading content provider for grades 7–12 and college.<ref>New York State Education Department. “Media Literacy Toolkit.” https://www.nysed.gov/sites/default/files/media-literacy-toolkit.pdf</ref>

== Recognition ==

The organization also provides professional development for teachers and librarians through webinars, workshops, and conference presentations. Its ML3 program trains school librarians as media literacy leaders and has been recognized by national education groups such as AASL.<ref>Center for Educational Equity. “Strategic Action Plan for Media Literacy.” 2024.</ref>

In 2008, PLS co-founder Chris Sperry received the National Council for the Social Studies Award for Global Understanding.<ref>National Council for the Social Studies. “Media"Media Literacy Week Partner.”" https://www.socialstudies.org/about/ncss-partners-namle-media-literacy-week</ref> In 2024, co-founder Dr. Cyndy Scheibe receivedwas awarded the NAMLE Elizabeth Thoman Service Award forby lifetimethe contributionsNational toAssociation mediafor literacyMedia Literacy Education (NAMLE).<ref>NAMLE. “2024"2024 Media Literacy Award Winners.”" https://mlw.namle.org/2024-media-literacy-award-winners/</ref>

The organization has been profiled in education publications such as the ''School Library Journal'' for its lesson plans and strategies related to media evaluation.<ref>School Library Journal. "Fighting the Infodemic." https://www.slj.com/story/Fighting-the-Infodemic-New-Strategies-for-News-Literacy-libraries-schools-students</ref> It has also been referenced in research published by the Erikson Institute.<ref>Erikson Institute. "Media Literacy in Early Childhood." https://www.erikson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/TEC-MediaLiteracy-Report.pdf</ref>

PLS has been featured in media literacy resource banks<ref>Colorado Department of Education. “Media Literacy Resource Bank.” https://www.cde.state.co.us/medialiteracy/media-literacy-resource-bank</ref> and guides,<ref>KQED. “Digital Resources for Teaching About Media.” https://www.kqed.org/education/digital-resources-for-teaching-about-media</ref> in educator toolkits,<ref>Democracy Toolkit. https://democracytoolkit.press/resources/emphasize-media-literacy-classroom/</ref> and in library awards.<ref>Rochester Regional Library Council. “ARPA Library Grant Award.” https://rrlc.org/services/arpa</ref>

=== ReceptionSee andalso Impact ===

In 2008, co-founder Chris Sperry received the National Council for the Social Studies Award for Global Understanding.<ref>National Council for the Social Studies. “Media Literacy Week Partner.” https://www.socialstudies.org/about/ncss-partners-namle-media-literacy-week</ref> In 2024, co-founder Dr. Cyndy Scheibe received the NAMLE Elizabeth Thoman Service Award for lifetime contributions to media literacy.<ref>NAMLE. “2024 Media Literacy Award Winners.” https://mlw.namle.org/2024-media-literacy-award-winners/</ref>

The ''School Library Journal'' highlighted Project Look Sharp’s inquiry-based media literacy lessons as useful tools for helping students assess bias and reliability in digital content.<ref>School Library Journal. “Fighting the Infodemic.” https://www.slj.com/story/Fighting-the-Infodemic-New-Strategies-for-News-Literacy-libraries-schools-students</ref>

Project Look Sharp has also been featured in research from the Erikson Institute<ref>Erikson Institute. “Media Literacy in Early Childhood.” https://www.erikson.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/TEC-MediaLiteracy-Report.pdf</ref> and Wings of Eagles Discovery Center.<ref>Wings of Eagles Discovery Center. “Media Literacy Overview.” https://www.wingsofeagles.com/education/bioenergy-bioproducts-education-programs-bbep/115-2/media-literacy-project-look-sharp/</ref>

=== See also ===

* [[Media literacy]]

* [[Digital citizenship]]

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== References ==

{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Ithaca College]]

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[[Category:Curricula]]