HF 252 (LSB 2250HH (3) 91)

HOUSE FILE 252

BY  INGELS

A BILL FOR

An Act incorporating preparation in computer science, artificial intelligence, and computational thinking into the preparation required in approved practitioner preparation programs, and including applicability provisions.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 256.16, subsection 1, Code 2025, is amended by adding the following new paragraph:
   NEW PARAGRAPH.  o.  Beginning July 1, 2026, include preparation in computer science, artificial intelligence, and computational thinking that is appropriate to the grade level and subject area in which the practitioner preparation student will teach. A higher education institution providing practitioner preparation may satisfy this requirement by requiring a practitioner preparation student to complete a dedicated course or module, or by integrating such preparation into the existing program.
    Sec. 2.  Section 262.9, Code 2025, is amended by adding the following new subsection:
   NEW SUBSECTION.  39.  Develop and distribute to all higher education institutions in this state that provide approved practitioner preparation programs guidance related to how to incorporate preparation related to computer science, artificial intelligence, and computational thinking into the practitioner preparation program, as required under section 256.16, subsection 1, paragraph “o”.
    Sec. 3.  APPLICABILITY.  The following applies to students admitted to an approved practitioner preparation program on or after July 1, 2026:
   The section of this Act amending section 256.16.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with
the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill requires approved practitioner preparation programs to include preparation in computer science, artificial intelligence, and computational thinking that is appropriate to the grade level and subject area in which the practitioner preparation student will teach, beginning July 1, 2026. The bill allows a higher education institution providing practitioner preparation to satisfy this requirement by requiring a practitioner preparation student to complete a dedicated course or module, or by integrating such preparation into the existing program. These provisions apply to students admitted to an approved practitioner preparation program on or after July 1, 2026.
   The state board of regents is required to develop and distribute to all higher education institutions in this state that provide approved practitioner preparation programs guidance related to how to incorporate preparation related to computer science, artificial intelligence, and computational thinking into the program.