Navigating the Digital Horizon: A Proposed Framework and Strategies for Assessing Digital Literacy

Abstract

Digital literacy skills are essential for success in today’s social, academic, and professional environments. This paper introduces a digital literacy framework, outlining key subskills and skill indicators for high school students, grounded in prior research and K–12 educational standards. We examine the implementation of digital literacy assessments in K–12 education and offer recommendations for their integration into educational systems. Our goal is to support the thoughtful development, assessment, and feedback processes necessary to foster students’ digital literacy skills.

Suggested citation: Liu, L., Courey, K. A., Kinsey, D., Ober, T. M., & Johnson, D. G. (2025). Navigating the digital horizon: A proposed framework and strategies for assessing digital literacy (Research Report No. RR-25-06). ETS.