The "Computer Science Education Advancement Act" seeks to enhance high school curriculum requirements in Louisiana by making Computer Science a mandatory course for graduation. The bill amends existing laws to require students to complete at least one credit in Computer Science as part of their mathematics and science credits. It also mandates that teacher education programs include instruction on teaching Computer Science, ensuring alignment with the core curriculum necessary for students to qualify for TOPS awards. Additionally, the legislation requires public high schools to provide Computer Science instruction, while middle schools must offer exploratory courses and elementary schools must teach foundational concepts in computer science and computational thinking.

To support the implementation of these changes, the bill outlines a plan to ensure sufficient capacity for computer science teachers by June 30, 2024, based on recommendations from the Louisiana Computer Science Education Advisory Commission. This plan includes alternative endorsement pathways for teachers and scholarship opportunities for training in computer science. The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education will oversee the approval of necessary courses and create rules for implementation, with a phased rollout beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. Overall, the act aims to modernize educational requirements and better prepare students for careers in a technology-driven environment.

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)