Bill
H 3201
South Carolina establishes a statewide K-12 computer science initiative to expand access, require at least one CS course per high school by 2026-27, and align with workforce needs.
Note on source materials
- The packet provided contains two distinct legislative texts (a Massachusetts tax-credit provision for oil tank removal and the South Carolina "Computer Science Education Initiative Act"). This summary focuses on the Computer Science Education Initiative Act (text that would add Section 59-29-250 to the South Carolina Code), which matches the bill title you provided. The other text (Massachusetts House No. 3201 / Chapter 62 subsection) appears unrelated.
Overview / Purpose
- Establishes a statewide initiative to expand and strengthen K–12 computer science education in South Carolina. The stated goals are to improve access (including rural areas), increase the number of qualified computer science educators, align instruction with workforce needs, and integrate computational thinking and cybersecurity across grade levels.
Key provisions
- New statutory section: Adds Section 59-29-250 to Title 59 (Education).
- Statewide plan: The State Board of Education, in consultation with the Education Oversight Committee and the Governor, must adopt a statewide computer science plan by December 31, 2026. The plan must set goals, strategies, and timelines.
- Course requirement: By the 2026–2027 school year, each public high school and charter high school must offer at least one computer science course that is rigorous, standards-based, meets State Board requirements, addresses diverse student needs (postsecondary and career readiness), and can be delivered in multiple formats (in-person, dual enrollment, blended, online).
- Standards review: The State Board must conduct a cyclical review (at least every five years) of K–12 computer science, computational thinking, and coding standards with input from higher education and industry experts.
- Department responsibilities (beginning 2026–2027):
- Hire one full-time coordinator experienced in computer science/IT to lead the initiative.
- Support teachers with interdisciplinary, project-based instruction; provide professional development and endorsements; develop career pathways; promote partnerships with business, higher ed, and communities; and provide career information to families and counselors.
- Certification and teacher preparation: By July 1, 2027, the State Board must promulgate certification pathways; the Department will develop criteria for postsecondary teacher prep programs and guidelines for appropriate educational/degree requirements for CS teachers.
- Career pathways and curriculum: By July 1, 2027 create an IT career-pathways system; by July 1, 2028 the Department must develop/procure curricula aligned with standards and workforce needs and provide early coding opportunities starting in elementary school.
- Reporting: Beginning July 1, 2027, the Department must annually report to the General Assembly on student completion of IT career pathways and participation in coding/programming, disaggregated by district and by demographics (gender, race/ethnicity, special education status, poverty status).
- Cybersecurity: Standards updates must appropriately address cybersecurity at each grade level.
- Gifts/partnerships: Districts may accept computer-related gifts/services from external entities.
Timeline (selected)
- Dec 31, 2026: Statewide plan due.
- 2026–2027 school year: Each high school must offer at least one CS course; Department hires coordinator; reporting begins July 1, 2027.
- July 1, 2027: Certification pathways regulations due.
- July 1, 2028: Curricula aligned with standards due.
- Effective: Upon Governor’s approval (text states act takes effect on approval).
Who would be affected
- State Board of Education and Department of Education (new duties, staffing).
- Public school districts, public and charter high schools (course-offering requirement; reporting).
- K–12 teachers (professional development, certification/endorsement pathways).
- Students and families (expanded access to CS education and career pathways), with emphasis on rural and underrepresented groups.
- Higher education and employers/industry partners (involvement in standards/review, career pathway alignment).
Potential impacts
- Increased statewide access to computer science education and earlier exposure to coding.
- Greater alignment between K–12 instruction and regional workforce needs, potentially improving postsecondary and career readiness in IT fields.
- Resource implications for districts and the Department (hiring, PD, curriculum adoption).
- Enhanced data collection to monitor participation and equity.
Related procedural notes
- The provided legislative actions show movement through readings, committee referrals, amendments, and scheduling of hearings; the text indicates the act would be added as Section 59-29-250 and is intended to take effect upon the Governor’s signature.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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