HF 2540 (LSB 5666HV (2) 91)

HOUSE FILE 2540

BY  COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

(SUCCESSOR TO HSB 610)

A BILL FOR

An Act relating to computer science and artificial intelligence education, including high school curricula and graduation requirements, and practitioner preparation programs, and including applicability provisions.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 256.7, subsection 26, paragraph a, unnumbered paragraph 1, Code 2026, is amended to read as follows:
   Adopt a core curriculum and adopt rules that establish high school graduation requirements for all students in school districts and accredited nonpublic schools that include at a minimum satisfactory completion of four years of English and language arts, three years of mathematics, three years of science, and three years of social studies, and, beginning with students in the 2030-2031 school year graduating class, one semester of computer science and artificial intelligence, or the trimester or quarter equivalent, which may include computer science instruction provided in grade eight pursuant to section 256.11, subsection 4.  One semester, or the trimester or quarter equivalent, of computer science and artificial intelligence instruction shall satisfy the graduation requirement associated with both computer science and artificial intelligence instruction and one semester, or the trimester or quarter equivalent, of the graduation requirement associated with either mathematics or science.
    Sec. 2.  Section 256.7, subsection 26, paragraph a, subparagraph (4), Code 2026, is amended to read as follows:
   (4)  The rules shall provide for the establishment of high-quality standards for computer science and artificial intelligence education taught by elementary, middle, and high schools, in accordance with the goal established under section 284.6A, subsection 1, setting a foundation for personal and professional success in a high-technology, knowledge-based Iowa economy.  The high-quality standards for computer science and artificial intelligence education must require that all levels and grades of computer science and artificial intelligence instruction include instruction related to the fundamental concepts of evolving computer science technologies and artificial intelligence, including instruction that explains what artificial intelligence is, how artificial intelligence works, and the societal and ethical impacts of artificial intelligence.
    Sec. 3.  Section 256.9, subsection 61, Code 2026, is amended to read as follows:
   61.  Develop and implement a statewide kindergarten through grade twelve computer science and artificial intelligence instruction plan by July 1, 2022.
    Sec. 4.  Section 256.9, Code 2026, is amended by adding the following new subsections:
   NEW SUBSECTION.  80.  On or before June 30, 2027, publish on the department’s internet site a list of computer science and artificial intelligence courses that satisfy the rules adopted by the state board pursuant to section 256.7, subsection 32, paragraph “c”, and that a school district or accredited nonpublic school may use to implement the graduation requirement described in section 256.11, subsection 5, paragraph “l”, subparagraph (2). The list must include the names of the computer science and artificial intelligence courses and the course codes associated with each computer science and artificial intelligence course.
   NEW SUBSECTION.  81.  Publish on the department’s internet site all of the information submitted to the department by school districts pursuant to section 256.11, subsection 5, paragraph “l”, subparagraph (3).
   NEW SUBSECTION.  82.  On or before June 30, 2027, create and publish on the department’s internet site a plan to expand statewide computer science and artificial intelligence teacher capacity to support implementation of the graduation requirement described in section 256.11, subsection 5, paragraph “l”, subparagraph (2). The plan must specifically address targeted support for schools with a total enrollment of less than five hundred students in grades nine through twelve. When creating the plan, the department shall invite input from representatives of kindergarten through grade twelve schools, including students, computer science teacher professional development providers, industries that employ technology workers, and higher education institutions that offer computer science teacher preparation pathways.
    Sec. 5.  Section 256.11, subsection 3, paragraph b, Code 2026, is amended to read as follows:
   b.  Computer science and artificial intelligence instruction incorporating the standards established under section 256.7, subsection 26, paragraph “a”, subparagraph (4), shall be offered in at least one grade level commencing with the school year beginning July 1, 2023. 
    Sec. 6.  Section 256.11, subsection 4, paragraph b, Code 2026, is amended to read as follows:
   b.  Computer science and artificial intelligence instruction incorporating the standards established under section 256.7, subsection 26, paragraph “a”, subparagraph (4), shall be offered in at least one grade level commencing with the school year beginning July 1, 2023. Career exploration and development shall be designed so that students are appropriately prepared to create an individual career and academic plan pursuant to section 279.61, incorporate foundational career and technical education concepts aligned with the six career and technical education service areas as defined in  subsection 5, paragraph “h”, incorporate relevant twenty-first century skills to facilitate career readiness, and introduce students to career opportunities within the local community and across this state.
    Sec. 7.  Section 256.11, subsection 4, Code 2026, is amended by adding the following new paragraph:
   NEW PARAGRAPH.  0c.  Career exploration and development shall be designed so that students are appropriately prepared to create an individual career and academic plan pursuant to section 279.61, incorporate foundational career and technical education concepts aligned with the six career and technical education service areas as defined in subsection 5, paragraph “h”, incorporate relevant twenty-first century skills to facilitate career readiness, and introduce students to career opportunities within the local community and across this state.
    Sec. 8.  Section 256.11, subsection 5, paragraph a, Code 2026, is amended by adding the following new subparagraph:
   NEW SUBPARAGRAPH.  (3)  The five units of science may include not more than one unit of instruction related to computer science and artificial intelligence.
    Sec. 9.  Section 256.11, subsection 5, paragraphs e and l, Code 2026, are amended to read as follows:
   e.  Two additional units of mathematics.
   (1)  The two additional units of mathematics may include instruction related to applied sciences, technology, engineering, or manufacturing, including transportation, distribution, logistics, architecture, and construction, which may be offered and taught through dedicated units of coursework or through units of coursework that also meet the requirements of the coursework required under paragraph “h”, subparagraph (1), subparagraph division (c). The state board shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 17A to implement this paragraph.
   (2)  The two additional units of mathematics may include not more than one unit of instruction related to computer science and artificial intelligence.
   (3)  The state board shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 17A to implement this paragraph.
   l.  (1)  One-half unit of computer science commencing with the school year beginning July 1, 2022 and artificial intelligence. The one-half unit of computer science and artificial intelligence shall incorporate the standards established pursuant to section 256.7, subsection 26, paragraph “a”, subparagraph (4), and may be offered online in accordance with rules adopted pursuant to section 256.7, subsection 32, paragraph “a”.  The one-half unit of computer science and artificial intelligence shall satisfy all of the following requirements:
   (a)  Be of high quality.
   (b)  Meet or exceed the curriculum standards and requirements established by the state board.
   (c)  Be offered and taught in a traditional classroom setting; provided, however, that if a traditional classroom setting is not feasible, the one-half unit of computer science and artificial intelligence may be offered and taught in any of the following ways:
   (i)  Through a combination of instruction that is delivered in a traditional classroom setting and instruction that is delivered primarily over the internet.
   (ii)  Through instruction that is delivered primarily over the internet in accordance with rules adopted by the state board pursuant to section 256.7, subsection 32, paragraph “a”, and is tailored to meet the needs of each participating student.
   (2)  (a)  All students, beginning with students in the 2030-2031 school year graduating class, shall complete one-half unit of computer science and artificial intelligence as a condition of graduation, which shall incorporate the standards established pursuant to section 256.7, subsection 26, paragraph “a”, subparagraph (4), and which may include computer science instruction provided in grade eight pursuant to section 256.11, subsection 4. The condition of graduation shall not apply to a student who enrolls in a school district or an accredited nonpublic school in grade twelve immediately after being enrolled in a school located outside of this state that does not impose a comparable computer science and artificial intelligence instruction requirement.
   (b)  (i)  On or before July 1, 2030, a school district or accredited nonpublic school may apply to the department of education for a one-time waiver of the implementation of the condition of graduation described in this subparagraph. The waiver shall be for a period not longer than one school year.
   (ii)  The state board shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 17A establishing standards for the submission of applications for waivers of the implementation of the condition of graduation described in this subparagraph and the department’s consideration and approval of waivers. The rules must require that the department of education may only approve an application for a waiver submitted pursuant to subparagraph subdivision (i) if the school district or accredited nonpublic school applying for the waiver demonstrates to the department that the school district or accredited nonpublic school made a reasonable attempt to implement the condition of graduation described in this subparagraph.
   (iii)  This subparagraph division is repealed July 1, 2031.
   (3)  Each school district shall report annually to the department all of the following:
   (a)  The course names and course codes associated with all computer science and artificial intelligence courses offered and taught in the school district pursuant to this paragraph and, to the extent such information is available, a description of the format in which each course is offered and taught.
   (b)  The number of teachers employed by the school district who teach computer science and artificial intelligence instruction, sortable by the endorsements and authorizations held by each teacher and the highest academic degree attained by each teacher. The report shall not include any personally identifiable information related to the teachers employed by the school district who teach computer science and artificial intelligence instruction.
   (c)  The number of students enrolled in a computer science and artificial intelligence course offered and taught by the school district pursuant to this paragraph, sortable by the grade level of each student. The report shall not include any personally identifiable information related to the students enrolled in a computer science and artificial intelligence course offered and taught by the school district.
    Sec. 10.  Section 256.11, subsection 5, paragraph h, Code 2026, is amended by adding the following new subparagraph:
   NEW SUBPARAGRAPH.  (04)  Units of instruction provided under subparagraph (1), subparagraph division (b) or (c), may include up to one unit of instruction related to computer science and artificial intelligence, if the teacher providing such instruction has either an initial career and technical education authorization issued by the board of educational examiners or a career and technical education authorization issued by the board of educational examiners.
    Sec. 11.  Section 256.11, subsection 17, paragraph a, subparagraph (2), Code 2026, is amended to read as follows:
   (2)  If a school district or accredited nonpublic school meets the requirements of subparagraph (1), subparagraph division (a) or (b), the school district or accredited nonpublic school may exceed the two-subject limitation specified in subparagraph (1), unnumbered paragraph 1, for the purpose of providing world language, personal finance literacy, and computer science and artificial intelligence coursework online in accordance with paragraph “c”.
    Sec. 12.  Section 256.13, Code 2026, is amended to read as follows:
   256.13  Nonresident pupils.
   The boards of directors of two or more school districts may by agreement provide for attendance of pupils residing in one district in the schools of another district for the purpose of taking courses not offered in the district of their residence, including computer science and artificial intelligence courses described in section 256.11, subsection 5, paragraph “l”. The boards may also provide by agreement that the districts will combine their enrollments for one or more grades. Courses and grades made available to students in this manner shall be considered as complying with any standards or laws requiring the offering of such courses and grades. The boards of directors of districts entering into such agreements may provide for sharing the costs and expenses of the courses. If the agreement provides for whole grade sharing, the costs and expenses shall be paid as provided in sections 282.10 through 282.12.
    Sec. 13.  Section 256.16, subsection 1, Code 2026, is amended by adding the following new paragraph:
   NEW PARAGRAPH.  p.  Include preparation in computer science, artificial intelligence, and computational thinking that is appropriate to the grade level and subject area in which the student who is enrolled in the practitioner preparation program will teach. A higher education institution providing practitioner preparation may satisfy this requirement by requiring a student who is enrolled in the practitioner preparation program to complete a dedicated course or module, or by integrating such preparation into the existing practitioner preparation program.
    Sec. 14.  Section 256.146, subsection 19, Code 2026, is amended to read as follows:
   19.  Adopt rules pursuant to chapter 17A establishing endorsements and authorizations for computer science and artificial intelligence instruction, including. The rules shall include traditional and nontraditional pathways for obtaining such endorsements or authorizations, including through instruction that is delivered primarily over the internet that may be used to demonstrate competence in computer science and artificial intelligence instruction for teachers under an initial or conditional license.
    Sec. 15.  Section 262.9, Code 2026, is amended by adding the following new subsection:
   NEW SUBSECTION.  43.  Develop, in consultation with the institutions of higher education governed by the board, guidance related to how a higher education institution providing practitioner preparation can best incorporate preparation related to computer science, artificial intelligence, and computational thinking into the approved practitioner preparation program, as required under section 256.16, subsection 1, paragraph “p”, and distribute such guidance to each higher education institution providing practitioner preparation.
    Sec. 16.  Section 280.3, subsection 3, Code 2026, is amended to read as follows:
   3.  The board of directors of each public school district and the authorities in charge of each nonpublic school shall develop and implement a kindergarten through grade twelve computer science and artificial intelligence plan by July 1, 2022, which that incorporates the standards established under section 256.7, subsection 26, paragraph “a”, subparagraph (4), and the minimum educational standards relating to computer science and artificial intelligence contained in section 256.11.
    Sec. 17.  Section 284.6A, subsection 1, paragraphs a and b, Code 2026, are amended to read as follows:
   a.  That instruction in high-quality computer science and artificial intelligence for elementary, middle school, and high school students establishes a foundation for personal and professional success in a high-technology, knowledge-based Iowa economy.
   b.  It is the goal of the general assembly that by July 1, 2019, each accredited high school offer at least one high-quality computer science and artificial intelligence course, each accredited middle school offer instruction in exploratory computer science and artificial intelligence, and each accredited elementary school offer instruction in the basics of computer science and artificial intelligence.
    Sec. 18.  Section 284.6A, subsection 1, Code 2026, is amended by adding the following new paragraph:
   NEW PARAGRAPH.  0c.  In order to provide students with the competencies to compete in a twenty-first century workforce, develop skills that translate into high-wage jobs, develop problem solving and critical thinking skills, and encourage the creation and retention of new, high-wage jobs in this state, all high school students enrolled in school districts or accredited nonpublic schools, beginning with the 2030-2031 school year graduating class, students should complete one semester of computer science and artificial intelligence as a condition of graduation as required by section 256.7, subsection 26, paragraph “a”.
    Sec. 19.  Section 284.6A, subsection 2, paragraphs a and b, Code 2026, are amended to read as follows:
   a.  A school district or accredited nonpublic school, or a collaborative of one or more school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, and area education agencies, may apply to the department, in the manner prescribed by the department, to receive moneys from the fund to provide proven professional development activities for Iowa teachers in the area of computer science and artificial intelligence education.
   b.  A school district or accredited nonpublic school may apply to the department, in the manner prescribed by the department, to receive moneys from the fund to provide tuition reimbursement for Iowa teachers, including Iowa teachers under an initial or conditional license, seeking endorsements or authorizations for computer science and artificial intelligence under section 256.146, subsection 19.
    Sec. 20.  STATE MANDATE FUNDING SPECIFIED.  In accordance with section 25B.2, subsection 3, the state cost of requiring compliance with any state mandate included in this Act shall be paid by a school district from state school foundation aid received by the school district under section 257.16, and from any grants received under the computer science professional development fund established pursuant to section 284.6A. This specification of the payment of the state cost shall be deemed to meet all of the state funding-related requirements of section 25B.2, subsection 3, and no additional state funding shall be necessary for the full implementation of this Act by and enforcement of this Act against all affected school districts.
    Sec. 21.  APPLICABILITY.  The following applies to students admitted to an approved practitioner preparation program on or after July 1, 2028:
   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 relates to computer science and artificial intelligence education, including high school curricula and graduation requirements and practitioner preparation programs.
   Current law provides that the graduation requirements applicable to students enrolled in school districts and accredited nonpublic schools shall include, at a minimum, satisfactory completion of four years of English and language arts, three years of mathematics, three years of science, and three years of social studies. The bill provides that such graduation requirements shall also include, beginning with students in the 2030-2031 school year graduating class, satisfactory completion of one semester of computer science and artificial intelligence, or the trimester or quarter equivalent, which may include computer science and artificial intelligence instruction provided in grade eight. The bill also provides that one semester, or the trimester or quarter equivalent, of computer science and artificial intelligence instruction satisfies the graduation requirement associated with both computer science and artificial intelligence instruction and one semester, or the trimester or quarter equivalent, of the graduation requirement associated with either mathematics or science. Current law also requires that the graduation requirements provide for the establishment of high-quality standards for computer science education taught by elementary, middle, and high schools. The bill provides that these standards must require that all levels and grades of computer science and artificial intelligence instruction include instruction related to the fundamental concepts of evolving computer science technologies and artificial intelligence, including instruction that explains what artificial intelligence is, how artificial intelligence works, and the societal and ethical impacts of artificial intelligence.
   The bill provides that the condition of graduation shall not apply to a student who enrolls in a school district or an accredited nonpublic school in grade 12 immediately after being enrolled in a school located outside of this state that does not impose a comparable computer science and artificial intelligence instruction requirement. The bill authorizes school districts and accredited nonpublic schools to apply to DE for a one-time waiver of the implementation of the graduation requirement. The bill requires the state board of education to adopt rules establishing standards for the submission of applications for waivers of the implementation of the condition of graduation and the department of education’s (DE) consideration and approval of waivers.
   The bill requires the director of DE to publish on DE’s internet site, on or before June 30, 2027, a list of computer science and artificial intelligence courses that satisfy the rules adopted by the state board and that a school district or accredited nonpublic school may use to implement the graduation requirement. Additionally, the director is required to create and publish on DE’s internet site, on or before June 30, 2027, a plan to expand statewide computer science and artificial intelligence teacher capacity to support implementation of the graduation requirement. The plan must specifically address targeted support for schools with a total enrollment of less than 500 students in grades 9 through 12.
   Current law requires school districts and accredited nonpublic schools to offer and teach to students enrolled in grades 9 through 12 five units of science and two additional units of mathematics. The bill provides that the five units of science may include not more than one unit of instruction related to computer science and artificial intelligence, and the two additional units of mathematics may include not more than one unit of instruction related to computer science and artificial intelligence.
   Current law requires school districts and accredited nonpublic schools to offer and teach to students enrolled in grades 9 through 12 one-half unit of computer science. The bill modifies provisions related to how the computer science and artificial intelligence instruction is offered and taught by allowing the instruction to be offered and taught through blended learning, or through instruction that is delivered primarily over the internet, when it is not possible to provide such instruction in a traditional classroom setting. Current law allows school districts to, by agreement, provide for attendance of pupils residing in one district in the schools of another district for the purpose of taking courses not offered in the district of their residence. The bill provides that such courses may include computer science and artificial intelligence courses.
   The bill modifies provisions related to the career and technical education instruction provided to students enrolled in grades 9 through 12 to provide that instruction provided under either the arts, communications, and information systems or applied sciences, technology, engineering, and manufacturing service areas may include up to one unit of instruction related to computer science and artificial intelligence, if the teacher has either an initial career and technical education authorization or a career and technical education authorization issued by the BOEE.
   The bill requires school districts to report annually to DE specified information related to computer science and artificial intelligence courses offered and taught in the school district, teachers providing computer science and artificial intelligence instruction, and students involved in computer science and artificial intelligence courses. DE is required to publish on DE’s internet site all of the information submitted by school districts pursuant to these provisions.
   The bill requires each higher education institution providing practitioner preparation to include preparation in computer science, artificial intelligence, and computational thinking that is appropriate to the grade level and subject area in which the student who is enrolled in the practitioner preparation program will teach. This requirement applies to students admitted to an approved practitioner preparation program on or after July 1, 2028. The bill requires the state board of regents, in consultation with the institutions of higher education governed by the state board of regents, to develop guidance related to how a higher education institution providing practitioner preparation can best incorporate preparation related to computer science, artificial intelligence, and computational thinking into the approved practitioner preparation program, as required under the bill’s provisions.
   The bill requires that the rules adopted by the BOEE establishing nontraditional pathways for obtaining endorsements and authorizations for computer science and artificial intelligence instruction also include opportunities to obtain such endorsements or authorizations through instruction that is delivered primarily over the internet that may be used to demonstrate competence in computer science and artificial intelligence instruction for teachers under an initial or conditional license.
   Current law establishes a computer science professional development incentive fund in the state treasury under the control of DE. Current law authorizes DE to disburse moneys contained in the fund to a school district or accredited nonpublic school to provide tuition reimbursement for Iowa teachers seeking endorsements or authorizations for computer science and artificial intelligence from the BOEE. The bill modifies this provision to allow such tuition reimbursement to be provided to Iowa teachers under an initial or conditional license.
   The bill may include a state mandate as defined in Code section 25B.3. The bill requires that the state cost of any state mandate included in the bill be paid by a school district from state school foundation aid received by the school district under Code section 257.16, and from any grants received under the computer science professional development fund. The specification is deemed to constitute state compliance with any state mandate funding-related requirements of Code section 25B.2. The inclusion of this specification is intended to reinstate the requirement of political subdivisions to comply with any state mandates included in the bill.
   The bill makes conforming changes.