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H 534

An Act to expand access to computer science coursework

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Manny Cruz

Massachusetts schools must offer at least one foundational CS course, with a credentialed micro-credential path for teachers to teach it for up to five years.

Hearing scheduled for 09/16/2025 from 11:00 AM-5:00 PM in Gardner Auditorium
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Bill Summary · H 534

Summary: H 534 - An Act to expand access to computer science coursework

Overview

H 534, introduced February 27, 2025, seeks to expand access to computer science (CS) education in Massachusetts high schools. The bill would require every public high school to offer at least one foundational CS course and ensure students can access it within a four-year plan. It also establishes a new DESE-driven micro-credentialing pathway to credential teachers to deliver foundational CS coursework. A formal effective date is set for school years beginning July 1, 2026. A hearing is scheduled for September 16, 2025, in Gardner Auditorium.

Key Provisions

  • Section 1: Computer Science Education (new Section 100 in Chapter 71)

    • Requirement: Every public high school must offer not less than 1 foundational CS course.
    • Access: Students must have the option to take this course within a four-year high school plan.
    • Content standard: The foundational CS course must include rigorous mathematical or scientific concepts and align with standards adopted by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.

  • Section 2: Micro-credentialing for CS instruction

    • DESE must develop a micro-credentialing process to certify educators to teach foundational CS at the high school level.
    • Eligibility: Available to all educators currently pursuing the digital literacy and CS 5–12 license, and to others interested in teaching CS.
    • Credential validity: Completion of the CS micro-credential would qualify the holder to teach one or more foundational CS courses for up to five years without meeting additional traditional certification requirements, except for those deemed minimally necessary by the department.
    • Path toward full certification: The micro-credentialed requirements may count toward the requirements for full CS teacher certification.

  • Section 3: Effective Date

    • The Act takes effect for school years beginning on or after July 1, 2026.

Who is Affected

  • Public high schools in Massachusetts (must offer at least one foundational CS course).
  • Students (gaining access to CS coursework as part of their four-year plan).
  • Current and aspiring CS teachers and educators (eligible for the new micro-credential pathway).
  • Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) (responsible for developing and administering the micro-credentialing process and standards).

Implementation and Timeline

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Referred to: Education.
  • Hearing: September 16, 2025, 11:00 AM–5:00 PM (Gardner Auditorium).
  • Effective date: July 1, 2026 (for school years beginning after this date).

Potential Impact and Considerations

  • Increases access to CS education in public high schools and clarifies a minimum CS offering.
  • Creates a streamlined, time-limited pathway for teachers to begin delivering CS content without full certification, potentially addressing staffing needs while maintaining quality through standards and a credentialing framework.
  • Requires DESE to design standards-aligned micro-credentials and align them with future CS certification requirements.
  • Schools may need planning and resources to integrate the foundational CS course and support teacher development.

Related Information

  • Related bill reference: HD 2649 (replaces)
  • Status and timing reflect ongoing consideration by the Education Committee, with a formal hearing scheduled in Sept. 2025.

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

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