SSB 1164 (LSB 2911XC (1) 91)

SENATE FILE _____ 

BY  (PROPOSED COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION BILL BY CHAIRPERSON EVANS)

A BILL FOR

An Act modifying provisions related to the curriculum provided to students enrolled in grades nine through twelve by allowing instruction related to technology, engineering, or manufacturing to meet a portion of the unit requirements related to computer science.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA:

    Section 1.  Section 256.11, subsection 5, paragraph l, Code 2025, is amended to read as follows:
   l.  (1)  One-half unit of computer science commencing with the school year beginning July 1, 2022.
   (2)  The one-half unit of computer science 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”.
   (3)  The one-half unit of computer science 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 subparagraph.
    Sec. 2.  Section 256E.7, subsection 2, paragraph g, Code 2025, is amended by adding the following new subparagraph:
   NEW SUBPARAGRAPH.  (3)  The educational standards established in section 256.11, subsection 5, paragraph “l”, related to the use of instruction related to applied sciences, technology, engineering, or manufacturing to fulfill a portion of the unit requirements related to computer science.
    Sec. 3.  Section 256F.4, subsection 2, Code 2025, is amended by adding the following new paragraph:
   NEW PARAGRAPH.  r.  Be subject to and comply with the requirements of section 256.11, subsection 5, paragraph “l”, relating to the use of instruction related to applied sciences, technology, engineering, or manufacturing to fulfill a portion of the unit requirements related to computer science in the same manner as a school district.
EXPLANATION
The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with

the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.
   This bill modifies provisions related to the curriculum provided to students enrolled in grades 9 through 12 in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools by allowing instruction related to technology, engineering, or manufacturing to meet a portion of the unit requirements related to computer science. The bill provides that such instruction related to computer science may be taught through dedicated units of coursework or through units of coursework that also meet the requirements related to technology, engineering, or manufacturing instruction under the career and technical education curriculum. The bill requires the state board of education to adopt rules to implement the bill’s provisions.