Assemblymember Marc Berman announces that California will teach artificial intelligence skills in every classroom

October 7, 2024 – SACRAMENTO, CA – Governor Newsom signed AB 2876, Assemblyman Marc Berman’s (D-Menlo Park) Artificial Integration Act Intelligence (AI) literacy will be incorporated into the core curriculum for all K-12 students in California. AB 2876 responds to the rapid spread of artificial intelligence in almost every aspect of young people’s lives and the impact that artificial intelligence will have on their future.

“Artificial intelligence can positively impact the way we live, but only if we know how to use it and use it responsibly.” said Assemblyman Marc Berman. “Children and young people today must navigate a world – and a job market – transformed by rapidly developing artificial intelligence technology. We have a responsibility to ensure that all students, regardless of future career, understand the basic principles and applications of artificial intelligence, have the skills to recognize the applications of artificial intelligence, and are aware of the implications, limitations, and ethical considerations associated with artificial intelligence. This new law will equip all California students with the skills and training they need to use artificial intelligence safely, ethically and effectively as it becomes increasingly popular.”

“The importance of what AB 2876 will accomplish cannot be overstated. If California is to successfully leverage the tremendous promise that artificial intelligence has to offer, it is important that we place greater emphasis and resources on preparing students with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to identify, understand, and effectively use all types artificial intelligence that they may encounter in their work. future jobs. Like reading, writing and arithmetic, digital literacy and artificial intelligence are essential skills that students must develop if they want to succeed in today’s world.” said Ben Golombek, CalChamber’s chief of staff for policy.

AB 2876 directs the Instructional Quality Commission (IQC) to include AI-based literacy content in math, science, history, and social studies curriculum frameworks and instructional materials when they next revise them. The bill would also add media literacy to instructional materials for English language arts and development, science, mathematics, and history and social studies when these materials are next revised.

Artificial intelligence literacy is defined as knowledge, skills and attitudes related to how artificial intelligence works, including its principles, concepts and applications, and how to use artificial intelligence, including its limitations, implications and ethical considerations.

Research has shown that early exposure to technology concepts can significantly impact students’ career paths and future preparation. According to the 2023 AI Index report from the Stanford Institute for Human Centered Artificial Intelligence, “the demand for AI-related job skills is growing in virtually every U.S. industrial sector.” The report went on to say that “AI systems are increasingly being deployed in the real world. However, there is often a disconnect between those who develop AI and those who use it.”

According to a special report published in May 2023 in Education Week, experts say that “artificial intelligence knowledge is something every student should become familiar with – not just those planning a career in computer science” because “Elementary and middle school students K -12 grew up in a world where artificial intelligence tells us what their families buy at the grocery store, how scientists track the spread of disease, and even how photo filters work on their favorite social media apps.
Source: Assemblyman Marc Berman