This study has provided recommendations for introducing a new curricular area into a school system, that of teaching about mass media in society. The impetus comes from the growing role mass media play in the lives of all Americans. By surveying the 50 states, the writer discovered that teaching about mass media through courses and units occurred in 20 percent or less of the schools in 1972. Units about mass media were more common than courses. Teaching about mass media was greatest in both units and courses at the senior high level followed by the junior high level and the elementary level. Projections for the next five years made by state department of education officials indicated an increase in these types of courses could be expected in most states. The study suggests that the content of mass media courses be an investigation of the crucial role of mass media in a democratic society and the leveling effect of the mass media on popular culture. The argument contends that mass media studies should be included at all levels of educational organization. It is recommended that students learn to be discerning in their media consumption and that they practice communication skills by using a mass medium. (Author/RB)