The bill H.318, introduced by Representative Priestley, seeks to improve computer science education in Vermont's public schools by requiring the implementation of computer science courses from elementary through high school. It mandates that public high schools offer at least one computer science course for grades 9-12, while middle schools must provide exploratory instruction, and elementary schools are to introduce the basics of computer science and computational thinking starting in the 2025-2026 school year. To support this initiative, the bill establishes a Computer Science Professional Development Grant Program aimed at training teachers in computer science, ensuring they possess the necessary skills to effectively teach these subjects.

Additionally, the bill calls for the creation of rigorous performance standards for students in computer science and the formation of a computer science education task force to develop a strategic plan for expanding access to computer science education, particularly for underserved groups. The task force will include representatives from education, industry, and nonprofit sectors. The bill also mandates the State Board to report a strategic plan to the House and Senate Committees on Education by December 1, 2026, and outlines the dissolution of the task force by December 1, 2027. Furthermore, it requires all teacher preparation programs to include computer science in their curriculum by July 1, 2027, introduces a scholarship program for pre-service teachers, and establishes a grant program to support education programs in developing pathways for teaching computer science. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.