Bill > A08891

This bill: 1. Enacts the "Media Literacy Act of 2024," which requires teachers and library media specialists to complete professional development related to media literacy education. The bill defines "media literacy" as the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and use media and information, encompassing the foundational skills that lead to digital citizenship. 2. Requires each elementary, intermediate, middle, junior high, and senior high school to employ a certified school library media specialist, with the specific staffing levels based on school enrollment. 3. Directs the Commissioner of Education to appoint a Media Literacy Advisory Committee to study the teaching of media literacy in schools, including creating a survey to gather feedback from teachers and students, and to make recommendations for best practices, resources, and models for instruction in media literacy and digital citizenship. 4. Requires the Department of Education to create an annual review process for media literacy policies and procedures, involving representation from various stakeholders, to consider customizing a model policy, existing school resources, and best practices for media literacy instruction. The bill aims to enhance media literacy education and digital citizenship skills in New York's schools.