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HB 1825

TO ALLOW A PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL TO REQUIRE AN ENROLLED STUDENT TO EARN ONE UNIT OF CREDIT IN A COMPUTER SCIENCE OR COMPUTER SCIENCE-RELATED CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION COURSE IN ORDER TO GRADUATE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Crowell and 1 co-sponsor

House Bill 1825 allows Arkansas high schools to require one credit in computer science for graduation, preparing students for a tech-driven workforce.

Recommended for study in the Interim by the Committee on EDUCATION COMMITTEE- HOUSE
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Bill Summary · HB 1825

Summary of House Bill 1825

Bill Number: HB 1825
Title: To Allow a Public High School to Require an Enrolled Student to Earn One Unit of Credit in a Computer Science or Computer Science-Related Career and Technical Education Course in Order to Graduate
Status: Recommended for study in the Interim by the Committee on Education Committee - House
Introduced: March 18, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1825 aims to enhance the educational requirements for high school graduation in Arkansas by allowing public high schools to mandate that students earn one unit of credit in a computer science or computer science-related career and technical education course. This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote computer science education and prepare students for a technology-driven workforce.

Key Provisions

  • Graduation Requirement: The bill amends Arkansas Code § 6-16-152(b)(1) to state that beginning with the entering ninth-grade class of the 2022-2023 school year, public high schools may require students to earn one unit of credit in an approved computer science or computer science-related career and technical education course before graduation.

  • Review of Courses: The bill also mandates the Arkansas Department of Education to:

    • Review career and technical education courses to determine how computer science standards can be integrated.
    • Identify which career and technical education courses can fulfill the computer science credit requirement if implemented by a public high school.

Affected Parties

  • Students: High school students in Arkansas, particularly those entering the ninth grade in the 2022-2023 school year and beyond, would be directly impacted by this requirement.

  • Schools: Public high schools that choose to implement this requirement will need to ensure they have the necessary courses and resources available for students to meet this graduation criterion.

  • Arkansas Department of Education: The department will have the responsibility to review and approve relevant courses and ensure compliance with the new requirements.

Fiscal Impact

According to the Fiscal Impact Statement prepared by the Arkansas Department of Education, there is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state. However, schools that opt to implement this requirement will be responsible for funding the necessary resources and courses.

Legislative Timeline

  • March 18, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time.
  • April 3, 2025: The bill was placed on second reading for amendment, and Amendment No. 1 was adopted.
  • April 9, 2025: The bill was withdrawn by the author and recommended for study in the Interim by the Committee on Education Committee - House.

Conclusion

House Bill 1825 represents a significant step towards integrating computer science education into the high school curriculum in Arkansas. By potentially requiring students to complete a course in this field, the bill aims to equip them with essential skills for future academic and career opportunities in an increasingly digital world.

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

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