Earlier this week, Assemblymember Patrick O’Donnell introduced AB 37, which seeks to involve California’s students in creating, communicating and designing in cutting-edge fields of visual and performing arts.

The legislation will establish state standards for media arts. Students would learn the skills to participate in video production, online and mobile media design, sound engineering, multimedia live production and virtual reality programming, according to O’Donnell.

“Classes in media arts teach young people how to express themselves creatively using the technology of today and the emerging technologies of the future,” said O’Donnell, a teacher and Chair of the Assembly Education Committee, in a statement. “As a world leader in technological innovation, California should have strong programs in our schools that foster these valuable and increasingly marketable artistic skills.”

Current law authorizes state content standards in four subjects in the Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA): visual arts, music, dance and theatre, according to O’Donnell. Since 2001 when the VAPA standards were adopted, major changes in technology have occurred, enabling new forms of creative expression, communication and design.

“This is an exciting step forward to improve our students’ education in the fascinating and creative world of media arts,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Torlakson, sponsor of the legislation, in a statement. “I want to thank Mr. O’Donnell for introducing this measure and preparing students for media arts opportunities in 21st century careers and college.”

The bill now awaits referral to its first policy committee.