Bill H.318 aims to significantly improve computer science education in Vermont's public schools by requiring the introduction of computer science courses at various educational levels starting in the 2025-2026 school year. Public high schools will be mandated to offer at least one computer science course for grades 9-12, while middle schools will provide exploratory instruction, and elementary schools will teach foundational concepts of computer science and computational thinking. The bill also establishes quality standards for these courses, which must meet or exceed those set by the State Board of Education. Additionally, school districts will be required to report on the computer science courses offered and the demographics of enrolled students, ensuring transparency and accountability.

To support the implementation of these educational requirements, the bill introduces a Computer Science Professional Development Grant Program aimed at training teachers in computer science education. It sets a graduation requirement for high school students to complete a computer science course by the 2027-2028 school year, with provisions for waivers if courses are unavailable. The State Board of Education will adopt rigorous performance standards and create a task force to develop a strategic plan for expanding computer science education, with a report due to the House and Senate Committees on Education by December 1, 2026. The bill also includes provisions for a full-time computer science supervisor position within the Agency of Education, a scholarship program for pre-service teachers, and a grant program to support education programs in developing pathways for teaching computer science, all set to take effect on July 1, 2025.