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HF2905 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Computer science grants established, local computer science standards encouraged, rulemaking required, and money appropriated.

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The main aim of this bill is to promote and enhance computer science education across Minnesota schools. The focus is on establishing computer science standards, supporting teacher preparation and development, and providing grants to help school districts develop and implement comprehensive computer science education plans.

Main Provisions

  • Adoption and Development of Standards: Encourages districts to adopt local computer science standards aligned with a framework developed by the Department of Education. However, districts are not mandated to implement state standards.
  • Computer Science Framework: The Department of Education must establish a computer science framework by July 2026, guiding school districts in developing K-12 computer science education programs.

  • Implementation Plan: A detailed plan must be developed by July 2027 to increase awareness and execution of the computer science strategy, including data collection, performance indicators, professional learning, and equitable access.

  • Grants for Implementation: Competitive grants will be awarded to districts or charter schools that currently do not offer computer science courses. These grants are intended for the development and implementation of comprehensive computer science plans to integrate courses from kindergarten through grade 12.

  • Emphasis on Equity: The bill stresses the importance of recruiting underrepresented groups into computer science and making courses accessible to students with disabilities, as well as promoting participation among female students and racial and ethnic minorities.

  • Educator Licensing and Professional Development: The Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board is tasked with incorporating foundational computer science concepts into the license renewal requirements for teachers. Additionally, grants will be provided to teacher preparation programs to enhance or establish computer science licensure programs.

  • Teacher Support and Incentives: Provides a structure for portfolio-based or exam-based pathways for teachers to earn computer science licensure. This includes mentorship and financial support, such as stipends for new licensees.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • Introduces computer science as a key educational standard alongside traditional subjects like language arts and mathematics, although it does not mandate state-level rulemaking for these standards.
  • Establishes a need for strategic planning and a structured approach toward including computer science in the core educational framework, making computer science an integral part of professional development requirements for teachers.

Relevant Terms

computer science, education standards, grants, equity in education, teacher licensure, professional development, teacher preparation, K-12 education, underrepresented students, curriculum integration, Department of Education, school districts, framework development.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 26, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toEducation Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Explicit inclusion of computer science in core academic standards consultation."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the standards development process for core academic subjects including computer science.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjustments to stakeholder consultation for standards development."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "120B.021",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "The bill adjusts rulemaking for implementing core academic standards.",
      "modified": [
        "Excludes mandatory adoption of statewide rules for computer science standards."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "120B.021",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Outreach and support strategies for districts to advance computer science programs."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Amendments are made to the role of the computer science education supervisor.",
      "modified": [
        "Defines duties related to implementation of the computer science education strategic plan."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "120B.241",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  }
]

Sponsors