On March 7, the MN House Education Finance will learn about HF3492 Grants for educational computer science programs.
Short description: Computer science education advancement program modified, grants established to expand computer science education programs, reports required, and money appropriated.
Meeting info:
Thursday, March 7, 2024 , 10:30 AM
Chair: Rep. Cheryl Youakim
Location: Basement Hearing Room, State Office Building
And part of the changes recommended (find full version online)
A bill for an act
relating to education; modifying the computer science education advancement
program; establishing grants to expand computer science education programs;
requiring reports; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2023
Supplement, section 120B.241, subdivisions 1, 4, by adding a subdivision;
proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 120B.BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
Section 1.
Minnesota Statutes 2023 Supplement, section 120B.241, subdivision 1, is
amended to read:Subdivision 1.
Definitions.
(a) “Computer science” means the study of computers and
algorithmic processes, including their principles, their hardware and software designs, their
implementation, and their impact on society.(b) “Computer science courses and content” means courses at:
(1) elementary and middle schools that teach computer science as standalone
implementations or embedded in other subjects; and(2) high schools that teach computer science as standalone courses and focus on teaching
students how to create new technologies.(c) “High-quality computer science educator training” means activities that:
(1) clarify the conceptual foundations of computer science;
(2) teach research-based practices, including hands-on and inquiry-based learning;
(3) are primarily intended for existing teachers with or without prior exposure to computer
science with options for advanced training for teachers; and(4) align to existing integrated computer science standards in Minnesota or nationally
recognized standards, including the Computer Science Teachers’ Association’s kindergarten
through grade 12 computer science education standards.(d) “High-quality computer science professional learning providers” means institutions
of higher education, nonprofits, other state-funded entities, or private entities that have
successfully designed, implemented, and scaled high-quality computer science professional
learning for teachers as defined in paragraph (c).(e) “STEAM” means science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
(f) “Subgroups underrepresented in computer science” means racial and ethnic minorities,
girls, youth from families living at or below the poverty line as defined in the Elementary
and Secondary Education Act of 1965, United States Code, title 20, section 8101, students
with disabilities, or English language learners.(g) “Teacher” means a teacher holding a license issued by the Professional Educator
Licensing and Standards Board, including a licensed media specialist.