THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

2070

TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2018

S.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

RELATING TO EDUCATION.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that the modern digital world influences media content of news on current events, thereby shaping the public's perception of reality.  Media literacy is a necessary skill that allows all citizens to access, analyze, and evaluate information using a variety of forms of communication.  At the same time, "digital citizens" must have the ability to recognize and value the rights, responsibilities, and opportunities of living, learning, and working in an interconnected digital world in order to engage in safe, legal, and ethical behaviors.

     The legislature further finds that students from kindergarten through grade twelve should be educated in media literacy to obtain the skills and experiences needed to become full participants in the digital world, including instruction in understanding how media shapes perceptions.

     The legislature also finds that students use technology to play, learn, and communicate at school and home and need to learn how to use technology responsibly.  Students must understand how to use personal technology in ways that augment their learning experience, which is necessary to analyze and evaluate information transmitted by media.

     The legislature further finds that instruction in media literacy should be incorporated into every classroom and every curriculum content area to prepare students to live and work in a digital world.  Teachers have an obligation to guide students' exploration of the digital landscape and encourage them to be critical and creative thinkers.

     The purpose of this Act is to require the department of education to develop a plan to implement instruction on digital citizenship and media literacy based on recommendations and strategies provided by an advisory committee.

     SECTION 2.  Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part II, subpart B, to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§302A-    Media literacy instruction; plan; advisory committee; reporting.  (a)  The department shall develop a plan to implement instruction in digital citizenship and media literacy in grades kindergarten to twelve in public schools, including charter schools and Hawaiian language immersion schools, based upon the recommendations provided by the advisory committee pursuant to subsection (c).

     (b)  The department shall convene an advisory committee to make recommendations for purposes of developing the plan under subsection (a).  The advisory committee shall include:

     (1)  Experts in media literacy, digital citizenship, and internet safety, including but not limited to academic experts and non-profit organizations; and

     (2)  Other stakeholders, such as teachers, librarians, parent organizations, students, educators, and administrators.

     (c)  No later than           , 2019, the advisory committee shall make recommendations to the department on the following:

     (1)  Best practices, resources, and models for grade-appropriate instruction in media literacy, digital citizenship, and internet safety; provided that the recommendations shall comply with federal E-rate programs and the federal Children's Internet Protection Act;

     (2)  Strategies that will support the department with the implementation of the best practices identified by the advisory committee pursuant to paragraph (1), including strategies for delivering professional development to educators and administrators; and

     (3)  Any other matters deemed relevant by the advisory committee.

     (d)  The department shall submit an annual report to the legislature, beginning on           , 2019, on the department's plan, including the timeline for implementing instruction in digital citizenship and media literacy in grades kindergarten through twelve.

     (e)  For purposes of this section:

     "Digital citizenship" means knowledge and skills necessary for consumption of media, digital products, current technology, and social media, including but not limited to appropriate, responsible, and healthy behavior, as well as cyberbullying prevention.

     "Media literacy" means the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, develop, produce, and interpret media, including the thoughtful, safe, and strategic uses of online and other media resources."

     SECTION 3.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

 

 

Report Title:

Education; Digital Citizenship; Media Literacy

 

Description:

Requires the department of education to develop a plan to teach digital citizenship and media literacy in grades kindergarten through twelve in public schools, including charter schools and Hawaiian language immersion schools.  Requires the department of education to convene an advisory committee to make recommendations on best practices for purposes of developing and implementing the plan.  Requires an annual report to legislature.  (SD1)

 

 

 

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