SCS/SB 659 - This act modifies provisions regarding computer science courses. COMPUTER SCIENCE COURSEWORK This act modifies the definition of "computer science course" by including any elementary, middle, or high school course that embeds computer science content within other subjects. This act requires, for all school years on or after July 1, 2023, certain coursework and instruction in computer science and computational thinking in public and charter high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools. Courses and instruction offered under this act must meet certain standards established by the State Board of Education and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This act requires school districts to submit to the Department certain information related to its computer science courses and demographic enrollment information for such courses. On or before June 30th annually, the Department shall publish a list of computer science course codes and names with a course description and shall indicate which courses meet or exceed the Department's computer science performance standards. The Department shall appoint a computer science advisor to implement these provisions of the act. Beginning July 1, 2023, computer science courses successfully completed and counted toward state graduation requirements shall be equivalent to one science or practical arts credit for the purpose of satisfying admission requirements at any public institution of higher education in the state. (Section 170.018). COMPUTER SCIENCE EDUCATION TASK FORCE This act establishes the "Computer Science Education Task Force." The Task Force shall develop a strategic plan for expanding a statewide computer science education program, as described in the act. The Task Force shall hold its first meeting within one month of the effective date of the act and shall present a summary of its activities and recommendations for legislation to the General Assembly before June 30, 2023. The Task Force shall dissolve on June 30, 2024. (Section 170.036) This act is substantially similar to provisions in the truly agreed CCS#2/HCS/SS/SCS/SBs 681 & 662 (2022), provisions in the truly agreed HCS/SB 718 (2022), provisions in SCS/HB 2202 (2022), provisions in SCS/HCS/HB 2304 (2022), SCS/SB 204 (2021) and to provisions in SCS/HCS/HB 320 (2021). JAMIE ANDREWS