summary
Introduced
01/30/2026
01/30/2026
In Committee
02/06/2026
02/06/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. Provides that the State Board of Education, in consultation with the State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board, shall create an introductory content area endorsement for computer science that allows individuals with a Professional Educator License to teach introductory computer science courses in grades 5 through 12. Provides that the endorsement shall require no more than 8 credit hours of graduate-level preparation that includes instruction in introductory computer science concepts and computer science pedagogy. Allows an individual with a Professional Educator License seeking the endorsement to substitute a State Board-approved, one-week, professional development program in introductory high school computer science education for 4 credit hours of the graduate-level preparation in introductory computer science concepts. Provides that the one-week, professional development program may count as 4 credit hours of the graduate-level preparation. Allows an individual with an Educator License with Stipulations with a paraprofessional educator endorsement who completes the 8 credit hours of graduate-level preparation to count those credit hours toward completion of the requirements for a Professional Educator License with a computer science endorsement.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a new introductory computer science endorsement for individuals holding a Professional Educator License, allowing them to teach computer science in grades 5 through 12. To obtain this endorsement, educators will need to complete no more than 8 credit hours of graduate-level coursework focusing on introductory computer science concepts and teaching methods. Alternatively, a one-week professional development program in introductory high school computer science education, approved by the State Board of Education, can substitute for 4 of those credit hours. Furthermore, individuals with an Educator License with Stipulations and a paraprofessional educator endorsement can apply the 8 credit hours of graduate-level preparation towards a full Professional Educator License with a computer science endorsement. This initiative aims to expand the availability of computer science education by providing a clear pathway for qualified educators to gain the necessary credentials.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Rules Committee (on 02/06/2026)
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