HB332INTRODUCED
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HB332
7B86J2E-1
By Representatives Faulkner, Collins, Hulsey, Baker, Colvin,
Shaw, Datcher, Moore (M), DuBose, Woods
RFD: Education Policy
First Read: 25-Feb-25
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6 7B86J2E-1 02/24/2025 OW (L)cr 2025-782
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First Read: 25-Feb-25
SYNOPSIS:
Under existing law, completion of a computer
science course is not required for graduation from an
Alabama public K-12 school.
This bill would require all Alabama public
school students to complete an approved computer
science course in order to graduate.
This bill would also provide standards for
approved computer science courses.
A BILL
TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
Relating to public K-12 schools; to amend Sections
16-46B-2 and 16-46B-7, Code of Alabama 1975, to require all
Alabama public school students to complete an approved
computer science course as a requirement for graduation; and
to provide standards for approved computer science courses.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA:
Section 1. Sections 16-46B-2 and 16-46B-7, Code of
Alabama 1975, are amended to read as follows:
"§16-46B-2
(a)(1) Beginning in the 2020-2021 school year, each
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(a)(1) Beginning in the 2020-2021 school year, each
public high school shall offer at least one authentic computer
science course from a department-approved list.
(2) Beginning in the 2021-2022 school year, each public
middle school shall offer instruction in middle school
computer science courses approved by the department.
(3) Beginning in the 2022-2023 school year, each public
elementary school shall offer instruction on the basics of
computer science and computational thinking.
(b) A computer science course or instruction in
computer science offered by a public school shall satisfy all
of the following:
(1) Be of high quality, as defined by the department.
(2) Meet or exceed the standards and curriculum
requirements, as they relate to authentic computer science,
established by the board in the state course of study for
digital literacy and computer science pursuant to Section
16-35-4 and be on the approved list of computer science
courses.
(c) A computer science course offered by a public high
school should be offered through an in-person setting and
shall be offered as a virtual or distance learning course
option only when an in-person classroom setting is not
practicable. A rationale for using the virtual or distance
learning option shall be included in the annual report.
(d) Beginning with public school students who will
graduate during the 2031-2032 school year, the department
shall ensure that all approved computer science courses and
content that meet graduation requirements pursuant to Section
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content that meet graduation requirements pursuant to Section
16-46B-7, shall include, but not be limited to, instruction in
the following areas:
(1) Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies,
which is the exploration of how artificial intelligence and
other emerging technologies work and their application to real
world scenarios.
(2) Computational thinking, which is the application of
logical reasoning, problem decomposition, pattern recognition,
and algorithm design to solve complex problems.
(3) Data and information, which is the understanding of
how data is collected, represented, processed, stored, and
analyzed, and the importance of data security and privacy.
(4) Impacts of computing, which is the examination of
the ethical, social, and global effects of computing on
individuals, organizations, and society.
(5) Network and the Internet, which is the basic
understanding of computer networks, the Internet, protocols,
and cybersecurity principles.
(6) Programming and coding, which is instruction in
programming languages and coding skills to develop functional
software and application.
(e) The standards provided in subsection (d) shall be
subject to the review standards set forth in Chapter 35 to
ensure alignment with current research, best practices, and
advancements in technology.
(f) The enforcement of this section shall comply with
Section 16-1-11.1."
"§16-46B-7
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"§16-46B-7
(a) Before June 30, 2020, and in accordance with
Section 16-35-4, the department shall identify approved
computer science courses that may fulfill one unit of academic
credit for any mathematics or science course for high school
graduation.
(b) Beginning with the graduating class of 2021, for
the purposes of high school graduation requirements and
satisfying mathematics or science freshman admission
requirements for a public institution of higher education
physically located in this state, as determined by the
institution of higher education, a computer science course
successfully completed under subsection (a) shall be
equivalent to either of the following:
(1) One mathematics course credit.
(2) One science course credit.
(c)(1) Beginning with the graduating class of 2032, all
public school students shall demonstrate digital literacy by
earning at least one credit in a department approved computer
science course or by completing a department approved course
with embedded computer science skills and experiences. This
requirement shall not result in an increase in the number of
credits required for graduation.
(2) Each computer science credit earned shall count as
a college and career readiness indicator and may fulfill any
one of the following, as determined by the local
superintendent of education:
a. One mathematics course credit.
b. One science course credit.
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b. One science course credit.
c. One career and technical education course credit.
d. One elective credit. "
Section 2. This act shall become effective on October
1, 2025.
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