Bill > SB1636

This bill amends the Illinois School Code to establish comprehensive requirements for computer science education in K-12 schools. Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, school districts will be required to report detailed data about computer science instruction for grades K-8 to the State Board of Education, including information about instructional content and student demographics. Starting in the 2027-2028 school year, students entering 9th grade must successfully complete one year of high school computer science as a graduation requirement. This computer science course can be taken in grades 7-12 and can simultaneously fulfill requirements for foreign language, mathematics, or other elective courses. The bill provides flexibility for schools by allowing them to enter cooperative resource sharing agreements to ensure students can access computer science courses. The State Board of Education must create guidelines for implementing these requirements and develop a list of approved computer science courses that align with state learning standards. Notably, the computer science requirement does not apply to students who transfer to an Illinois high school after their 11th grade year, and the requirement does not impact students with individualized education programs. The goal of this legislation appears to be increasing computer science education and ensuring students have opportunities to develop critical technological skills.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1636&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104