To answer this assessment, students must consider various aspects of the photograph's reliability and also think about other information that could help them evaluate the reliability of the image. In question 1, students must explain that Lange may have been influenced by the Resettlement Administration's desire to increase support for its programs. In question 2, students need to identify an aspect of the photo that suggests Lange's influence over its content. Finally, in question 3, students must identify one more piece of information that would help them evaluate the reliability this photograph and justify their choice.
Level: Proficient
Question 1
Student identifies relevant background information and explains why it might call the reliability of the photo into question.
This student provides a plausible explanation for why the photographers could have staged the photograph.
This student makes a connection between the intent of the Resettlement Administration and how Lange took the photo.
Question 2
Student identifies a relevant aspect of the photograph and explains why it would call the reliability of the photo into question.
This student raises reasonable questions about the way the children are posed.
Question 3
Student identifies relevant information and explains how it would help to determine the reliability of the photograph.
This student identifies two relevant features of the photo and explains why they might call the reliability of the photo into question.
This student has identified a relevant piece of information that would help to determine the reliability of the photo and provided a clear explanation for why this information would help corroborate the photo.
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.
Although the student correctly notes that the photograph might favor FDR's programs, he does not explain what about the background information led to this theory.
This student has identified the crucial piece of background information but has not fully explained how it might call the reliability of the photo into question.
Question 2
Student identifies a relevant aspect of the photograph but does not explain why it would call the reliability of the photo into question.
Although this student raises the possibility that the photo is staged, she does not explain how this would affect its reliability as a historical source.
Questions about what who Lange chose to include in this photograph are central to some historians' theories about the authenticity of this image, but the student has not explained why this would make the photo less reliable.
Question 3
Student identifies relevant information but does not adequately explain how it would help to determine the reliability of the photograph.
This response is definitely headed in the right direction. Unfortunately, the student only provides a very brief, incomplete explanation.
Additional information about the context of the photo would certainly be helpful, but this student mistakenly believes that the photo is from the Dust Bowl and wants verification of that fact.
Level: Basic
Question 1
Student does not identify background information that might call the reliability of the photo into question.
The student does not explain how this would affect the reliability of the photo.
Instead of considering the background information, this student questions the purpose of such a photograph.
This student also does not seem to understand that the government was seeking to build support for aid programs by showing the plight of Dust Bowl migrants.
Question 2
Student does not identify a relevant aspect of the photograph.
This student has concluded that migrants should be cleaner in California. Unfortunately, this document provides no evidence to support that conclusion.
This student questions the reliability of the photograph because it does not match her preconceived notions of Dust Bowl migrants.
Question 3
Student does not identify relevant information.
Although factually correct, the student has not explained how the location of the Dust Bowl helps determine the reliability of the photo.
This student does not explain how these possible assumptions would influence the content of the photo.
