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Resolve, To Establish the Task Force To Recognize Computer Science in the Path to Proficiency
Sec. 1 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Council to form task force to recognize computer science in the path to proficiency. Resolved: That the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Council, referred to in this resolve as "the council," shall establish and convene a computer science education task force, referred to in this resolve as "the task force," to develop an informed strategy to integrate computer science into the State's proficiency-based high school diploma requirements, as well as to expose all students to computer science as a basic skill and as a potential career path. The council shall invite members to the task force and appoint the task force chair, who must be a person whose professional responsibilities include the advancement of computer science professional development and education in the State and who is aligned with the State's business community in carrying out those responsibilities; and be it further
Sec. 2 Duties. Resolved: That the duties of the task force must include, but are not limited to, the following.
1. The task force shall recommend a framework for an effective kindergarten to grade 12 computer science education system in the State and outline a strategy to ensure students have access to this education system. The task force shall:
A. Identify the key elements of computer science education that provide mathematics or science competencies needed to attain a proficiency-based diploma;
B. Identify models of age-appropriate computer science curricula that provide students in kindergarten to grade 12 basic knowledge of and familiarity with computer science concepts and applications and opportunities to explore how computer science may serve their educational needs and career aspirations; and
C. Develop a sustainable professional development strategy to deliver kindergarten to grade 12 computer science education and to ensure that all students have access to computer science education.
2. In determining the strategy described in subsection 1, the task force shall investigate best practices for and barriers to implementation of the strategy. The task force shall:
A. Identify and inventory computer science education activities currently underway in the State and in other states, including:
(1) Classroom initiatives integrating computer science education into existing curricular opportunities;
(2) Full access to courses that provide an opportunity for credit from an institution of higher learning; and
(3) Models of education that effectively use offsite resources and online learning opportunities to augment the resources available on site; and
B. Identify and inventory computer science professional development activities currently underway in the State and highlight best practices for and barriers encountered in delivering computer science professional development to teachers across the State; and be it further
Sec. 3 Coordination with Department of Education. Resolved: That the task force shall coordinate with the Department of Education to provide information on identified areas of computer science education in the State and to enable the department to undertake rulemaking related to improving access to computer science education in the State. The work of the task force must inform and complement the work of the department, and nothing in the duties of the task force may be construed to mean that the department may not undertake initiatives or rulemaking related to computer science education separate from the work of the task force; and be it further
Sec. 4 Report; recommendations. Resolved: That the task force shall report its findings of best practices for computer science education and a recommended strategy to develop and implement a high-quality computer science education curriculum for all students to the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs by January 15, 2018. The task force is authorized to make recommendations, including proposed legislation and rules, in its report. The joint standing committee may report out a bill based upon the report to the Second Regular Session of the 128th Legislature; and be it further
Sec. 5 Resources. Resolved: That the council may provide funding and in-kind donations received from public or private sources to fund the costs of the task force and enable the task force to accomplish its duties. Any unused funds at the termination of the task force may be retained by the council.