BILL NUMBER: SB 1444INTRODUCED BILL TEXT INTRODUCED BY Senator Hancock FEBRUARY 19, 2010 An act to add Section 51207 to the Education Code, relating to pupil instruction. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST SB 1444, as introduced, Hancock. Pupil instruction: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. Existing law requires the adopted course of study for grades 1 to 6, inclusive, and for grades 7 to 12, inclusive, to offer courses in specified areas of study, including mathematics and science. This bill would define science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education as courses or a sequence of courses that prepare pupils for occupations and careers that require technically sophisticated skills, including the application of mathematical and scientific skills and concepts, as specified. Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: no. State-mandated local program: no. THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. Section 51207 is added to the Education Code, to read: 51207. (a) Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education means courses or a sequence of courses that prepare pupils for occupations and careers that require technically sophisticated skills, including the application of mathematical and scientific skills and concepts. (b) In grades 1 to 6, inclusive, STEM education includes foundational courses in mathematics, science, and technology that lead to success in challenging and applied courses in grades 7 to 12, inclusive. It is in grades 1 to 6, inclusive, that awareness of STEM careers and occupations begins. (c) In grades 7 to 12, inclusive, STEM education includes rigorous and challenging courses that include the application of science, mathematics, and technology. In grades 7 and 8, awareness of STEM careers and occupations continues, and career exploration begins. In high school, STEM education includes courses and pathways for pupils to explore and prepare for careers and occupations in STEM fields.