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SB 921 - This act requires that before July 1, 2019, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) develop a high school graduation policy that allows a student to fulfill one unit of academic credit with a district-approved computer science course for any math, science, or practical arts unit required for high school graduation. Additionally, before July 1, 2019, the State Board of Education shall convene a work group to develop and recommend academic performance standards relating to computer science. These standards shall be adopted and implemented beginning in the 2020-2021 school year. The Board shall also develop a procedure by which any licensed teacher who demonstrates sufficient content knowledge of computer science shall receive a special endorsement on his or her license signifying this specialized knowledge. This act creates the "Computer Science Fund" for the purpose of providing teacher professional development programs relating to computer science. The Board shall award grants from the fund to eligible entities, as defined in the act, who have submitted an application to DESE, as specified in the act. Subject to appropriation, DESE shall create the "STEM Career Awareness Program" to increase STEM career awareness among students in grades six through eight. The statewide program shall introduce students to a wide variety of STEM careers and technology through an online-based STEM curriculum. Before January 1, 2019, DESE shall solicit proposals and select a provider for the online program using specified criteria or choose a third-party nonprofit entity to implement the program, solicit proposals, and select a provider. The program shall be supported by the "STEM Career Awareness Program Fund" and shall be implemented beginning with the 2019-2020 school year. This act is substantially similar to HB 1623 (2018) and similar to SCS/HB 248 (2017) and HB 948 (2017). JAMIE ANDREWS
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