Bill > S04978

This bill enacts the "Media Literacy Act," which aims to enhance media literacy education in New York schools through several key provisions. The bill requires teachers to complete 5 hours and library media specialists to complete 15 hours of professional development specifically focused on media literacy during each five-year registration period, ensuring that these educational professionals are trained to help students critically analyze and understand media. It mandates that each school district employ a certified library media specialist in every elementary, intermediate, middle, junior high, and senior high school, with staffing requirements based on school enrollment size. The bill also establishes a media literacy advisory committee tasked with studying media literacy teaching practices, creating a comprehensive survey to gather feedback from educators and administrators, and developing recommendations for improving media literacy instruction, digital citizenship, and internet safety. The committee will be required to submit a report to state leadership within one year of the act's effective date, which may include suggestions for revising education standards, policies, and instructional resources. Additionally, the bill defines key terms like "digital citizenship" and "media literacy" and requires an annual review of media literacy policies and procedures by a dedicated advisory committee.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4978