School libraries: model library standards.

Assembly Member Patel's proposal to modernize California's school library standards establishes an eight-year cycle for reviewing and updating these guidelines, beginning July 2028. The measure creates a structured process for the Superintendent of Public Instruction to evaluate and recommend revisions to existing standards in consultation with the State Board of Education.

Under the legislation, when updates are deemed necessary, the Superintendent must convene an expert panel comprising educators, administrators, and industry professionals to develop revised standards. The panel requires 50% representation from credentialed teacher librarians, along with K-12 teachers specializing in technology and media literacy, school principals, district administrators, university professors, and representatives from both private sector technology companies and organizations focused on multilingual education. The development process includes mandatory public hearings conducted in partnership with the Instructional Quality Commission to gather community input.

The bill outlines specific timelines and procedures for adopting revised standards. The Superintendent must present recommendations within 18 months of forming the expert panel, after which the State Board of Education has four months to adopt, modify, or reject the proposals. If modifications are made, the Board must publicly document its reasoning and hold a separate meeting for final adoption. Should the Board reject the standards entirely, it must provide detailed written explanations to the Superintendent, Governor, and relevant legislative committees. The measure's implementation depends on funding through the state budget or separate legislation.