MO HB3188

Establishes the "Media Literacy and Critical Thinking Pilot Program" to be administered by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education during the 2027-28 and 2028-29 school years

Requires selection of 5-7 diverse school districts to participate, with sites developing strategies for teaching news content literacy, visual literacy, digital fluency, and digital literacy

Defines "media literacy" as the ability to access, analyze, and evaluate all forms of media including print news and social media content, recognize bias and stereotypes, and practice digital citizenship and internet safety

Mandates pilot sites report to the department by August 1, 2029, followed by a summary report to the General Assembly by January 1, 2030 containing recommendations for statewide implementation

Program terminates June 30, 2029, and the entire section expires December 31, 2029