To successfully complete this assessment, students must consider key aspects of the photograph’s reliability and also think about other information that could be used to evaluate the reliability of the document. In Question 1, students must explain that the fact that the Office of War Information was tasked with taking photographs for press releases that would promote the government’s efforts in WWII means they likely chose to photograph workers in a positive light. Given the photograph’s subject and caption, it is likely that the photographers were trying to favorably portray African Americans’ inclusion in the war effort more than accurately document their working conditions. In Question 2, students should identify another piece of information that would help them evaluate the reliability of this photograph.
Level: Proficient
Question 1
Student identifies relevant background information and explains why it might call the reliability of the photo into question.
Question 2
Student identifies a relevant piece of information to help determine the reliability of the photograph.
Level: Emergent
Question 1
Student identifies background information that might call the reliability of the photo into question but does not provide a complete explanation.
Question 2
Student identifies relevant information but does not fully explain how it would help determine the reliability of the photograph.
Level: Basic
Question 1
Student does not identify background information that might call the reliability of the photo into question.
Question 2
Student does not identify relevant information or does not explain how it would shed light on the reliability of the photograph.
