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By: Erica Hatcher
trade books that Missouri teachers can use to meet grade level expectations as they work to support science instruction through the integration of literature.
Modeling excellence to
identify MO-STAR criteria
Elementary teachers have many resources and checklists available to them to help evaluate books to use in their classrooms. Several options were considered when developing the MO-STAR criteria. For example, Sudol and King (1996) identified the criteria of accuracy, organization, layout, cohesion of ideas, specialized vocabulary, and reader interest as important considerations when selecting nonfiction trade books for classroom use. Pringle and Lamme (2005) provided up to nine criteria to evaluate picture books relevant to promote learning of science with literature. Broemmel and Rearden (2006) provided a review of the Teachers’ Choices Booklist, sponsored by the IRA, that helped validate that list as appropriate to measure and evaluate science-related trade books for student learning. Finally, the NSTA and the Children’s Book Council (CBC) jointly present an annual list entitled Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 (NSTA, 2017), which identifies the best recently published books that connect language arts and science.
The authors of the MO-STAR list partially followed the NSTA/CBC list by including its criteria as items one through six below. This decision was made because of the highly valued reputations of these professional organizations. Three additional criteria (items 7-9) were created to complement the first six.
The result is the final list of nine criteria used to evaluate books in the MO-STAR list selection process.
1. The book has substantial science content;
2. Information is clear, accurate, and up to date;
3. Theories and facts are clearly distinguished;
SPECIAL SECTION THEMED ISSUE