Directs the commissioner of education to appoint a media literacy advisory committee to study the teaching of media literacy; requires such committee to annually review policy on media literacy.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A150
SPONSOR: Rosenthal (MS) TITLE OF BILL:
An act to direct the commissioner of education to appoint a media liter-
acy advisory committee to study the teaching of media literacy; and to
amend the education law, in relation to creating a media literacy advi-
sory committee to annually review policy and procedures on media litera-
cy
PURPOSE:
This bill intends to teach students how to safely, ethically, responsi-
bly and effectively use media and technology resources in today's
digital landscape.
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section one provides the definitions for "digital citizenship" and
"media literacy."
Section two directs the commissioner of education to conduct a study on
the teaching of digital citizenship, internet safety, and media literacy
and schools.
Section three requires the commissioner of education to develop a report
of his or her findings.
Section four requires the commissioner of education to deliver his or
her report to the Governor, the Temporary President of the Senate, and
the Speaker of the Assembly no later than one year after the effective
date.
Section five amends the education law by adding a new section 756.
Section six sets forth the effective date.
JUSTIFICATION:
Media and technology have become pervasive in all areas of our lives.
Children have never had as much access to the intemet, media and mobile
technologies at home and at school as they do today. While media and
technology have great promise for learning, young people need support
and education to learn about how to make sound judgments while navigat-
ing the digital world.
This bill creates a state-based advisory committee composed of educa-
tors, administrators, researchers, and parents who will work under the
oversight of the State Education Department to identify best practices
and recommendations for instruction in digital citizenship, internet
safety, and media literacy.
To date, a similar bill has become law in Washington, and others have
been introduced in six other state legislatures around the country.
This bill will empower students to become better users and consumers of
digital information, and will help them navigate an increasingly compli-
cated digital landscape.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2022-23: A.94 - Referred to. Education
2021-22: A.209 - Referred to Education
2019-20: A.106 - Referred to Education
2017-18: A.5981-A - Referred to Education
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Undetermined.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This bill shall take effect immediately.
