Government Watch: Sept. 7, 2023

Authored by Assemblymember Marc Berman, D-Palo Alto, AB 873 directs the Instructional Quality Commission to incorporate media literacy content into the English language arts/English language development, science, mathematics and history-social science curriculum frameworks when those frameworks are next revised. Media literacy, also known as information literacy, develops students’ critical thinking skills around all types of media and teaches students to evaluate online information that affects them, their communities, and the world. It includes digital citizenship, which is a diverse set of skills related to current technology and social media, including the norms of appropriate, responsible, and healthy behavior. Additionally, it includes teaching students how to create media thoughtfully and conscientiously. A growing number of states are now requiring that students receive instruction in media and information literacy, including New Jersey, Illinois and Delaware, according to Berman’s office.

The bill now heads to the governor for his signature.