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 high school career major program. It also mandates that teacher education programs include instruction on teaching Computer Science, ensuring that future educators are equipped to deliver this essential curriculum. The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education is tasked with overseeing these changes, which include integrating Computer Science into the required mathematics and science credits and establishing new core curriculum requirements for students graduating in the 2027-2028 school year.

Additionally, the bill requires public high schools to provide Computer Science instruction and mandates that middle schools offer exploratory computer science courses, while elementary schools must teach foundational concepts in computer science and computational thinking. To support this initiative, the state Department of Education is directed to develop a plan to ensure an adequate number of qualified computer science teachers by June 30, 2024. This plan will incorporate recommendations from the Louisiana Computer Science Education Advisory Commission and provide alternative pathways for teacher endorsements, as well as scholarship opportunities for training in computer science. The implementation of these provisions will be phased, with specific timelines established for different educational levels to ensure a comprehensive rollout of computer science education throughout the state.

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)