Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to establish computer science standards within Minnesota's education system. It seeks to encourage school districts to integrate computer science education into their curricula, providing guidelines and support for implementation while developing a structured framework and strategic plan.

Main Provisions

1. Encouragement for Adoption:

   • School districts are encouraged to adopt local computer science standards aligned with a framework developed by the Minnesota Department of Education. This framework will be established by July 1, 2026.

2. Stakeholder Involvement:

   • The development of statewide academic standards will consider input from various stakeholders, including parents, teachers, school administrators, local school boards, postsecondary faculty, business representatives, tribal nations, and students.

3. Framework for Computer Science:

   • By July 1, 2026, the Department of Education is tasked with creating a computer science framework outlining skills and instruction for different grade levels. This framework will also guide districts on implementation and support access for students with disabilities.

4. Creation of a Strategic Plan:

   • By July 1, 2027, a strategic plan will be developed to enhance awareness and implementation of computer science education, including data collection, key performance indicators, and success measures.

5. Professional Learning and Resource Development:

   • A comprehensive strategy for professional learning related to computer science will be developed, including criteria for programs and recommendations for teaching practices.

6. Access Expansion:

   • Recommendations will be made to improve access to computer science education, particularly for rural, low-income, tribal nations, and indigenous communities.

7. Alignment with Career Pathways:

   • The bill mandates aligning career and technical education frameworks with the computer science framework and promoting secondary education and career pathways in the field of computer science.

Significant Changes

• The bill proposes amending the Minnesota Statutes to establish new provisions concerning computer science education standards and framework development.
• The Department of Education will forgo creating statewide rules for computer science standards, leaving the adoption of these standards to the discretion of individual school districts.
• It introduces the role of a computer science supervisor in the Department of Education to support districts in developing and advancing their computer science programs.

Relevant Terms

• Computer science standards
• Framework
• Strategic plan
• Professional learning
• Access expansion
• Stakeholder involvement
• Education policy