Subject:
Tell lawmakers to invest in civic education and media literacy for NY students.
Message:
Dear Legislator,
As a constituent who cares deeply about preparing our students for engaged citizenship, I urge you to invest in civic education and media literacy for New York's students. As we approach America's 250th anniversary, our students need the skills to understand how our democracy works and to separate fact from fiction.
The need for action is urgent. Only 22 percent of eighth graders scored at the proficient level in civics on national assessments, and a Stanford study found that more than 80 percent of middle schoolers cannot distinguish a news story from an advertisement. After No Child Left Behind, schools lost an average of 76 minutes per week of social studies instruction. That time has never been restored, and it shows.
Misinformation is everywhere. In the age of social media, our students are bombarded daily with misinformation and algorithmic recommendations. They must learn to verify sources, recognize bias and think critically about what they see online. Media literacy is civic education.
As such, I urge you to support the following investments in our state budget:
- $2.5 million to strengthen elementary civic education: This includes pilot programs, curriculum development and statewide guidance on building civic skills starting in the earliest grades.
- $5 million to build foundations of civic readiness: Expanding access to the Seal of Civic Readiness, experiential learning and professional development for educators.
- $15 million to modernize civic learning: Ensuring every school has a certified library media specialist and making media and AI literacy part of what students are taught.
Our democracy depends on an informed, engaged citizenry, and that starts in our classrooms. Thank you for your consideration of these important budget requests. I respectfully ask that you bring up these issues with your conference and I would greatly appreciate a response to this letter.
Sincerely,
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