Bill > AB1053

This bill requires local educational agencies (school districts, county offices of education, charter schools, and educational joint powers authorities) to implement a comprehensive process for evaluating and selecting educational technology. The bill mandates that before adopting digital educational technology or spending public funds on such technology, these agencies must convene a publicly noticed workgroup of teachers, classified employees, and technology staff to thoroughly evaluate the proposed materials. The evaluation must consider multiple factors, including cost, behavioral health impact, user interface, learning design, digital pedagogy, inclusivity, assessment capabilities, and data privacy and security. By January 1, 2027, the Superintendent of Public Instruction must develop and publish best practices and resources to guide this evaluation process, which local educational agencies are encouraged to follow. The bill also emphasizes the importance of substantial teacher involvement in the selection process and promotes community and parent participation. Additionally, the legislation requires the workgroup to solicit input from parents, teachers, classified employees, and students about their experiences with proposed digital materials. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill imposes additional costs on local agencies, the state will provide reimbursement for those expenses.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1053