The media literacy and critical thinking pilot program shall terminate on June 30, 2027, and each pilot program site shall submit a report to DESE by August 1, 2027. DESE shall study the results of pilot program and develop guidelines for students on areas outlined in the act, including the safe use of social media platforms; digital ethics and etiquette; and identifying online misinformation. DESE shall also develop guidelines that provide school districts with examples of learning activities, resources, and training that promote critical thinking and the skills necessary to evaluate all forms of media.
Before January 1, 2028, DESE shall compile the reports from the pilot program sites and submit its summary to the General Assembly. DESE's summary shall include specific information described in the act, including qualitative and quantitative insights on how the pilot program sites addressed media literacy; strategies and resources used by educators; any professional development that was required; and recommendations for the facilities, instructional materials, and technologies necessary to implement a statewide media literacy and critical thinking program. DESE shall also provide the General Assembly with a draft of media literacy and critical thinking state standards for preschool to grade 12. The provisions of the act shall expire on December 31, 2027.
This act is identical to HB 1513 (2024) and a provision in SCS/HCS/HB 1569 (2024), substantially similar to SB 678 (2023) and HB 492 (2023), and similar to HB 1249 (2023).
OLIVIA SHANNON
Statutes affected: