Selection Criteria
The criteria for evaluating the references resources provided on this website was created by combining the MDK12 Digital Library Criteria for Online Databases and Digital Content with the Dorchester County Public School Selection Criteria.
Each resource was evaluated using the following guidelines:
Visually Appealing/Easily Navigated: Is the source aesthetically pleasing and organized in a logical manner? Is the layout easy for students to use? Is the readability scale made known by the publisher? Are search options easy to select? Are search results displayed in an easily readable format?
Accurate and Reliable: Is the content presented in an accurate, impartial, and up-to-date manner?
Aligned with DCPS Curriculum: Does the information support the objectives of the instructional program at Dorchester County Public Schools? Is it presented in a manner that will stimulate curiosity?
Scope/Supplementary Tools: Is the scope sufficient to the purpose of the source? Does the source include a dictionary, thesaurus, blogging, or wiki component? Does the source include graphics or interactives? Does the source include online educator resource tools? Does it provide MLA and APA citation information?
Accessibility: Can the source be accessed from school and home? Are there features to support a wide-range of learners (text-to-speech, other languages, translator, etc.?) Is it supported by different platforms and browsers?
For each category, the resource being evaluated could receive 1 point for being excellent in this area, .5 points for being fair in this area, or 0 points for being poor in this area. Each resource was evaluated out of a total of 5 points. All resources shared on this website have received a rating of 4 or higher.
Each resource was evaluated using the following guidelines:
Visually Appealing/Easily Navigated: Is the source aesthetically pleasing and organized in a logical manner? Is the layout easy for students to use? Is the readability scale made known by the publisher? Are search options easy to select? Are search results displayed in an easily readable format?
Accurate and Reliable: Is the content presented in an accurate, impartial, and up-to-date manner?
Aligned with DCPS Curriculum: Does the information support the objectives of the instructional program at Dorchester County Public Schools? Is it presented in a manner that will stimulate curiosity?
Scope/Supplementary Tools: Is the scope sufficient to the purpose of the source? Does the source include a dictionary, thesaurus, blogging, or wiki component? Does the source include graphics or interactives? Does the source include online educator resource tools? Does it provide MLA and APA citation information?
Accessibility: Can the source be accessed from school and home? Are there features to support a wide-range of learners (text-to-speech, other languages, translator, etc.?) Is it supported by different platforms and browsers?
For each category, the resource being evaluated could receive 1 point for being excellent in this area, .5 points for being fair in this area, or 0 points for being poor in this area. Each resource was evaluated out of a total of 5 points. All resources shared on this website have received a rating of 4 or higher.