Creates and modifies provisions relating to elementary and secondary education and establishes the "Student Screen-Time Standards Act", "Framework on Classroom Use of Screens Council", "Media Literacy and Critical Thinking Act", and "Missouri Integrated Safe Driving Program"

HCS/SB 1351 - This act creates and modifies provisions relating to elementary and secondary education. INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY (Sections 160.068, 186.085, and 186.095) This act establishes the "Student Screen-Time Standards Act" and creates provisions relating to the use of instructional technology in school districts and charter schools serving students in kindergarten through fifth grade. The act defines "instructional technology" as including learning devices and platforms such as computers, tablets, Chromebooks, smart devices, and software platforms. The act distinguishes instructional technology from "traditional materials", such as printed books and paper-based educational resources, and from "manipulatives", defined as hands-on physical learning tools. Before the end of the 2027-28 school year and in all subsequent school years, each school district and charter school shall adopt a written screen time and instructional technology policy for students in kindergarten through grade five. The policy shall establish limits on student screen time and use of instructional technology during the school day; establish limits on the use of school-issued devices outside the school day; establish limits on student access to internet-connected instructional technology; identify the digital platforms used; establish standards and requirements for student use of manipulatives and traditional materials; provide a process for parents to obtain information regarding their child's screen time and instructional technology use, as well as a process for parents to limit or eliminate such use; and provide the research, evidence, and information upon which the policy is based. In creating the policy, the district or charter school shall consider research on best practices in literacy instruction, instructional technology, assessment, and the optimal role for the use of handwriting and cursive writing in promoting literacy for all students. Each elementary schoo