HB 817

Abstract

Amends the School Code. Defines "computer science education". Requires the State Board of Education to establish an Office of Computer Science Education and to select an Executive Director for that Office. Requires the Executive Director to work with a team of professionals assigned to the Office and with a variety of stakeholder groups toward ensuring that every student in kindergarten through grade 12 in this State is afforded an equal and equitable opportunity to obtain a world-class computer science education. Provides that from the amounts appropriated for its annual budget, the State Board must provide funding for computer science education that must be used exclusively for teacher salaries, ongoing professional development for teachers, and technology needed specifically for facilitating computer science education. With regard to the State Board's school report cards, provides that the curriculum information data must include data on computer science courses, which must be disaggregated by every student subgroup identity recognized by the State Board, including race, gender identity, and free or reduced-price lunch program eligibility. Requires the report cards to also include data on the amount of money allocated annually for computer science education. Effective immediately. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Deletes reference to: 105 ILCS 5/1-3 105 ILCS 5/2-3.47 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the School Code. Subject to appropriation or private donations, requires the State Board of Education to make available to school districts grants to support computer science education; defines "computer science education". Requires a school district to use grant funds for educator salaries, professional development for educators, and the equipment needed to facilitate computer science education. Provides that the State Board shall prioritize the distribution of grants to Organizational Units assigned to Tier 1 or Tier 2 under the evidence-based funding formula. With regard to the State Board's school report cards, provides that the curriculum information data must include data on computer science courses. Effective immediately.