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SB 326

Require students complete a high school computer science course

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jerry Cirino and 4 co-sponsors

Ohio SB 326 requires all high school students to complete one computer science course for graduation, addressing workforce needs but raising questions about teacher availability and equitable implementation.

Introduced
#education #primaryandsecondaryeducation
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Bill Summary · SB 326

Legislative bill overview

SB 326 would mandate that all high school students in Ohio complete at least one computer science course as a graduation requirement. The bill was introduced in November 2025 and is currently under committee review. This represents a shift toward treating computer science as a core academic subject alongside traditional requirements like math and English.

Why is this important

Computer science skills are increasingly essential in the modern workforce across virtually all sectors, yet many high school students—particularly in rural and under-resourced districts—currently have no access to CS coursework. Making CS a graduation requirement could help prepare students for higher-wage career paths and address the growing national shortage of tech-skilled workers, while also raising equity concerns about implementation capacity.

Potential points of contention

  • Resource and infrastructure gaps: Rural schools and districts with limited budgets may lack qualified computer science teachers, up-to-date equipment, and curriculum resources needed to implement the requirement equitably
  • Teacher shortage and credentialing: Ohio may not have enough certified CS teachers available; the bill's success depends on whether it includes funding for teacher training and recruitment
  • Substitution and flexibility concerns: Whether students can substitute CS for other STEM courses or whether this adds to total graduation requirements, potentially delaying graduation for some students
  • Definition and course quality: Ambiguity over what constitutes an acceptable "computer science" course (coding vs. digital literacy vs. broad tech exposure) could lead to inconsistent educational quality

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

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