Establishes the "Media Literacy and Critical Thinking" pilot program requiring DESE to select 5-7 school districts to address the components of media literacy during the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years
The proposed pilot program will address various components of media literacy, including news content literacy, visual literacy, and digital fluency. It aims to integrate critical analysis of media messages into everyday classroom curricula, providing students with the tools needed to navigate the complex media landscape. Schools will develop strategies for effective learning and will receive guidelines on promoting digital ethics, understanding algorithms, and identifying misinformation. The outcomes of the pilot program will be studied to inform potential statewide implementations following its completion.
Senate Bill 1311 establishes a 'Media Literacy and Critical Thinking' pilot program administered by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). This program is set to take place over two academic years, from 2025 to 2027, involving five to seven diverse school districts. The program’s primary objective is to enhance students' ability to access, analyze, evaluate, and participate in various forms of media, thereby equipping them with essential skills for the 21st century.
While the bill was largely supported for its forward-thinking approach to education and the critical need for media literacy, some concerns were raised regarding the execution and potential for consistent resource allocation across different districts. Opponents of such programs often worry about varying degrees of commitment and effectiveness across participating districts, which could influence the overall success of media literacy initiatives and set differing educational standards among schools in the state. Additionally, there are discussions about the implications of media literacy curricula on freedom of speech and how educational institutions can balance teaching critical thinking without imposing bias.