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SF3379 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Computer science standards establishment

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to enhance computer science education across Minnesota schools. It encourages school districts to adopt computer science standards, promotes development and implementation of a comprehensive computer science framework, and outlines strategies to support and expand computer science education statewide.

Main Provisions

  • Local Computer Science Standards: School districts are encouraged to adopt computer science standards based on a framework developed by the Minnesota Department of Education.

  • Stakeholder Involvement: The commissioner of education must consult with various stakeholders, including parents, teachers, school board members, business community representatives, and others to develop rigorous academic standards in computer science.

  • Computer Science Supervisor: The Department of Education is required to employ a dedicated supervisor for implementing computer science initiatives, including helping districts enhance their programs and advising them on utilizing the state’s framework.

  • Framework Development: By July 1, 2026, the Department of Education must establish a computer science framework to assist districts in developing kindergarten through 12th-grade computer science curricula. This framework will define necessary skills, instruct implementation, and propose teaching practices that make courses accessible to all students, including those with disabilities.

  • Awareness and Plan Implementation: By July 1, 2027, a strategic plan must be created to raise awareness and implement the computer science education strategy across districts. This includes:

    • Collecting data on access, participation, and success in computer science.
    • Defining performance indicators and success metrics.
    • Developing professional learning strategies for teaching and support staff.
    • Providing recommendations to increase access for rural and low-income schools, as well as tribal and Indigenous communities.
    • Aligning career and technical education with the computer science framework.

  • Standards Development: The department will develop academic standards for computer science following the framework's implementation. However, districts are not obliged to adopt these state standards.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • This bill introduces a focus on computer science as a core academic subject alongside existing subjects like language arts and mathematics. It establishes computer science frameworks, standards, and strategies that were not previously outlined or mandated at the state level.

Relevant Terms

computer science standards, framework, Department of Education, stakeholder involvement, computer science supervisor, strategic plan, access and participation, performance indicators, professional learning, rural and low-income schools, tribal and Indigenous communities, academic standards development.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
April 09, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
April 09, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toEducation Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Inclusion of computer science in the list of academic standards to consider."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Amendments proposed to the process for developing academic standards, including stakeholder involvement.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "120B.021",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Explicit statement that computer science standards do not require rulemaking."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Modifications to rulemaking authority for educational standards.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "120B.021",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Emphasis on supporting districts in implementing computer science education."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Adjusts the role of the computer science education supervisor at the Department of Education.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "120B.241",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  }
]

Sponsors