The bill titled "Computer Science Education Advancement Act of 2021" seeks to amend the existing requirements for public high school graduation in Arkansas. Specifically, it allows public high schools to require enrolled students to earn one unit of credit in a computer science or computer science-related career and technical education course as a condition for graduation. This change is aimed at enhancing students' skills in computer science, which is increasingly important in today's job market.

The amendment modifies Arkansas Code 6-16-152(b)(1) by changing the timeline for implementation from the 2022-2023 school year to the 2025-2026 school year. Additionally, it alters the language from stating that a student "shall be required" to earn the credit to indicating that a public high school "may require an enrolled student" to do so. This provides schools with the discretion to implement the requirement rather than making it mandatory for all students.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1825 V2 - 4-3-2025 11:54 AM: 6-16-152(b), 04-03-2025
Old version HB1825 Original - 3-18-2025 01:07 PM: 6-16-152(b)
HB 1825: 6-16-152(b)