The "Computer Science Education Advancement Act" seeks to enhance high school education in Louisiana by making Computer Science a mandatory course for graduation. The bill amends existing laws to require students to earn at least one credit in Computer Science as part of their mathematics and science graduation requirements. It also mandates that teacher education programs include instruction on teaching Computer Science, ensuring that future educators are equipped to deliver this essential subject. Additionally, the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education is tasked with overseeing the implementation of these changes, which will affect students graduating in the 2027-2028 school year.

The legislation further stipulates that all public high schools must provide Computer Science instruction, while middle schools are required to offer exploratory courses, and elementary schools must teach foundational concepts in computer science and computational thinking. To support these initiatives, the bill outlines a plan for the state Department of Education to enhance the capacity of computer science teachers by June 30, 2024, which includes recommendations from the Louisiana Computer Science Education Advisory Commission and alternative pathways for teacher endorsements. The implementation of these provisions will be phased in, starting with the 2025-2026 school year, to ensure a smooth transition to the new curriculum standards.

Statutes affected:
HB264 Original: 17:3(B)(2), 17:5025(2), 17:5026(A)(2)
HB264 Engrossed: 17:3(B)(2), 17:5025(2), 17:5026(A)(2)
HB264 Reengrossed: 17:3(B)(2), 17:5025(2), 17:5026(A)(2)
HB264 Enrolled: 17:3(B)(2), 17:5025(2), 17:5026(A)(2)
HB264 Act : 17:3(B)(2), 17:5025(2), 17:5026(A)(2)