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SD 2225

An Act expanding access to computer science coursework

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Barry Finegold

Requires public high schools to offer at least one foundational CS course with student access, and creates a micro-credential for temporary CS instruction up to five years.

House concurred
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Bill Summary · SD 2225

Summary of Senate Docket No. 2225 — An Act expanding access to computer science coursework

Overview
- Purpose: To expand access to computer science (CS) education in public high schools and to streamline how educators can teach foundational CS courses through a micro-credentialing process.
- Status: House concurred (introduced February 27, 2025; referred to the Education Committee; House concurrence achieved).
- Effective date: Provisions take effect for school years beginning on or after July 1, 2026.

Key Provisions

1) Foundational CS course requirement (Chapter 71, Section 100, new)
- Each public high school must offer at least one foundational computer science course.
- Every student must have the option to access this course within a four-year high school plan.
- The foundational CS course must include rigorous mathematical or scientific concepts and align with standards adopted by the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.

2) Micro-credentialing for CS instruction (Section 2)
- The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) must develop a micro-credentialing process.
- Purpose: Allow educators and others to demonstrate competency in the digital literacy and CS knowledge required to teach the foundational CS course.
- Eligibility: Available to educators currently pursuing the digital literacy and CS 5-12 license and to others interested in teaching foundational CS.
- Temporary qualification: Completion of the micro-credential would authorize the holder to teach one or more foundational CS courses for up to five years without meeting all other standard certification requirements, beyond the minimally necessary qualifications determined by the department.
-Certification pathway: Micro-credential credits may be applied toward the requirements for full certification to teach computer science.

3) Implementation timeline
- The changes to high school CS offerings take effect for school years beginning on or after July 1, 2026.

Affected Parties

  • Public high schools: Required to offer at least one foundational CS course and ensure student access.
  • Students: Guaranteed access to foundational CS coursework within a 4-year plan.
  • Educators: Encouraged to pursue the new CS micro-credential; temporary teaching eligibility granted for up to five years pending full certification.
  • DESE: Responsible for developing the micro-credentialing framework and administering the credentialing process.

Notes
- The bill does not specify funding allocations or associated costs.
- It references alignment with board standards and builds on prior similar measures (noted as prior-session material).

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

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