SB 326: Require students complete a high school computer science course

The proposed law requires school districts to offer and students to complete at least one high school computer science course. Starting in 2029, students entering ninth grade for the first time will be required to complete one unit of computer science in any grade from eight to twelve, which will include instruction in evolving areas of computer science such as artificial intelligence. This unit will be considered as one of the required science units or as an elective. Students who complete this unit will have more flexibility in choosing their electives. The law also requires schools to teach financial literacy, which will be one-half unit of instruction that can be taken in lieu of mathematics or as an elective. The study and instruction of financial literacy must align with the academic content standards for financial literacy and entrepreneurship. The law aims to prepare students fo…