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HF 252

A bill for an act incorporating preparation in computer science, artificial intelligence, and computational thinking into the preparation required in approved practitioner preparation programs, and including applicability provisions.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chad Ingels

HF 252 requires approved teacher prep programs to include CS, AI, and computational thinking content, aligned to grade/subject, for students admitted after July 1, 2026.

Subcommittee recommends passage.
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Bill Summary · HF 252

HF 252 — Summary

Overview
HF 252 would require approved practitioner preparation programs (teacher preparation programs) to incorporate preparation related to computer science, artificial intelligence, and computational thinking. The requirement targets the content and preparation students will receive before teaching in K-12 settings, with an emphasis on ensuring readiness appropriate to the grade level and subject area the future teacher will handle. The bill provides options for how this content may be integrated and sets a specific applicability date for students entering such programs.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • New content requirement for practitioner preparation (Section 1)

    • Adds a new paragraph (o) to Section 256.16(1) effective July 1, 2026.
    • Requires preparation in computer science, artificial intelligence, and computational thinking that is appropriate to the grade level and subject area in which the practitioner preparation student will teach.
    • Acceptance of either:
    • A dedicated CS/AI/CT course or module within the program, or
    • Integration of CS/AI/CT content into the existing practitioner preparation program.

  • Guidance requirement for higher education institutions (Section 2)

    • Adds a new Subsection 39 to Section 262.9.
    • Mandates development and distribution of guidance to all state higher education institutions that offer approved practitioner preparation programs.
    • Guidance must explain how to incorporate CS/AI/CT preparation into programs, consistent with the new Section 256.16(1), paragraph o.

  • Applicability and timing (Section 3)

    • Applies to students admitted to an approved practitioner preparation program on or after July 1, 2026.
    • The amended requirements affect those entering programs from that date forward.

Legislative Details and Timeline

  • Introduced: February 6, 2025
  • Status: Subcommittee recommends passage
  • Subcommittee actions: Meeting scheduled for February 20, 2025; Subcommittee members listed (Ingels, Kurth, Weldon)
  • Sponsor: Rep. Ingels (primary)
  • Effective date: July 1, 2026 (for the new content requirement; guidance to be distributed presumably after enactment)

Who Is Affected

  • Higher education institutions in the state that provide approved practitioner preparation programs (teacher preparation programs).
  • Practicum and education faculty responsible for teacher preparation curricula.
  • Prospective and current students admitted to or entering approved practitioner preparation programs on or after July 1, 2026.
  • K-12 teacher education and licensure pipelines, aligning future teachers’ preparation with CS/AI/CT competencies.

Potential Impacts

  • Curriculum: Programs will need to add or integrate CS, AI, and computational thinking coursework aligned to grade bands and subject areas.
  • Resources and Faculty Development: Institutions may require new courses, modules, or faculty training; possible budgeting considerations for new material and delivery.
  • Guidance and Consistency: Statewide guidance will help standardize implementation across institutions, reducing variability in how CS/AI/CT is taught within preparation programs.
  • Teacher Readiness: New teachers entering the field may have enhanced capabilities in CS/AI/CT, contributing to increased integration of technology literacy in classrooms.

Notes
- The bill’s emphasis is on alignment with grade-level applicability and subject area, ensuring relevance to future teaching assignments.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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