A new law in California will integrate artificial intelligence (AI) literacy into the core curriculum for all K-12 students in the state.
The bill signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom comes in response to what its sponsor called the “rapid proliferation of AI in nearly every aspect of young people’s lives, as well as the impact AI will have on their futures.”
“AI has the potential to positively impact the way we live, but only if we know how to use it, and use it responsibly,” said Assemblymember Marc Berman, the bill’s sponsor.
“Children and young people today must navigate a world –and job market – transformed by fast-moving AI technology,” Berman said. “We have a responsibility to ensure that all students, no matter their future profession, understand basic AI principles and applications, that they have the skills to recognize when AI is employed, and are aware of AI’s implications, limitations, and ethical considerations. This new law will equip all California students with the skills and training they need to be safe, ethical, and successful users of AI as it becomes more mainstream.”
The legislation directs California’s Instructional Quality Commission (IQC) to incorporate AI literacy content into the mathematics, science, and history-social science curriculum frameworks and instructional materials at their next revision. The bill will also add media literacy to the English language arts/English language development, science, mathematics, and history-social science instructional materials when the materials are next revised.
The legislation defines AI literacy as the knowledge, skills, and attitudes associated with how artificial intelligence works, including its principles, concepts, and applications, as well as how to use artificial intelligence, including its limitations, implications, and ethical considerations.
“The importance of what AB 2876 will accomplish cannot be overstated. If California is to successfully harness the tremendous promise AI offers, it is vital that we place greater emphasis and resources on preparing students with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to identify, understand, and successfully utilize all kinds of AI that they may encounter in their future workplaces,” said Ben Golombek, chief of staff for policy at CalChamber. “Just like reading, writing, and arithmetic, digital literacy and AI literacy are basic skills that students need to develop if they are to succeed in the modern world,” he said.
