California Governor Gavin Newsom approved Assembly Bill 2876, a law aimed at expanding media literacy and artificial intelligence (AI) literacy in California’s public school curriculum. The bill, introduced by Assemblymember Marc Berman, seeks to ensure that students across the state are equipped with the critical thinking skills needed to navigate today’s complex digital landscape. It also marks a significant step toward preparing students for a future where AI plays a pivotal role in various sectors.
AB 2876 builds on existing state law that promotes media literacy, which is defined as the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and use media and information effectively. Media literacy also encompasses the skills necessary for responsible digital citizenship, encouraging students to engage with technology and social media in a way that is healthy, appropriate, and responsible.
The newly signed legislation requires the Instructional Quality Commission, the body responsible for recommending curriculum frameworks to the State Board of Education, to consider incorporating media literacy content into a range of subjects, including English Language Arts (ELA), mathematics, science, and history-social science. The requirement will apply the next time these curriculum frameworks are revised.
By expanding media literacy instruction across multiple subject areas, the bill ensures that students not only develop the technical skills to navigate digital platforms but also the critical thinking skills to evaluate the credibility of online information. The legislation emphasizes the importance of teaching students how to responsibly consume and share media, a crucial component in the age of misinformation and digital manipulation.
One of the most groundbreaking aspects of AB 2876 is the introduction of AI literacy into California’s public school curriculum. With artificial intelligence becoming a major force in sectors ranging from healthcare to transportation, ensuring students have a fundamental understanding of how AI works is essential. The bill defines AI literacy as the knowledge, skills, and attitudes associated with understanding the principles, concepts, and applications of artificial intelligence.
Starting with the next curriculum revisions after January 1, 2025, the Instructional Quality Commission will be required to consider incorporating AI literacy into the mathematics, science, and history-social science frameworks. In addition, the commission will evaluate AI literacy as a criterion for selecting instructional materials, ensuring that AI education is well-integrated into classroom resources.
The inclusion of AI literacy aims to prepare students for a future where artificial intelligence plays a significant role in everyday life. The curriculum will cover key aspects of AI, including its limitations, ethical considerations, and societal implications. As a result, students will gain a better understanding of the benefits and risks associated with AI technologies, allowing them to engage with these tools responsibly.
AB 2876 also mandates the integration of Model Library Standards, which guide students on how to effectively access and evaluate information, into future curriculum frameworks. These standards will be included in both media and AI literacy education, further equipping students with the research skills needed to succeed in a digital world.
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