Bill

Bill > HB332


PA HB332

PA HB332
In terms and courses of study, providing for media literacy education.


summary

Introduced
01/27/2025
In Committee
01/27/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), entitled "An act relating to the public school system, including certain provisions applicable as well to private and parochial schools; amending, revising, consolidating and changing the laws relating thereto," in terms and courses of study, providing for media literacy education.

AI Summary

This bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 to require the Pennsylvania Department of Education to develop a media literacy curriculum for kindergarten through 12th-grade students within six months of the bill's effective date. The curriculum will be mandatory for school districts and aims to help students develop critical thinking skills related to media consumption. Specifically, the curriculum will cover topics such as understanding how media messages shape society, identifying marketing strategies, recognizing persuasion techniques, identifying bias and misinformation, understanding incomplete narratives, and evaluating media messages through personal experiences and values. The State Board of Education must publish the curriculum on its website, and the Department of Education must provide additional resources and professional development opportunities for teachers to support media literacy education. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage, with school districts expected to incorporate the media literacy component into their curriculum beginning with the next school year.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (26)

Last Action

Referred to Education (on 01/27/2025)

bill text


bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...
Loading...