HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	2252
TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2018
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO COMPUTER SCIENCE EDUCATION.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that providing students with access to computer science education is a critical step toward ensuring that Hawaii remains competitive in the global economy. Computing occupations comprise up to two-thirds of all projected new jobs in STEM fields. Computer science is one of the most in-demand college degrees, and offers higher paying entry-level jobs than other degrees. Computer science drives job creation and innovation throughout the nation's economy.

The legislature further finds that basic technological skills are increasingly necessary in day-to-day life, regardless of students' ultimate career choices. Information technology skills are needed at all levels of training and education, and across all sectors of Hawaii's economy. Providing students with a basic understanding of computer science is likely to contribute positively to the well-being of students, their families, and their communities. It is the intent of the legislature that all students should obtain a basic understanding of computer science.

Despite the potential future rewards for students, there are fewer advanced placement examinations taken in computer science than in any other STEM subject area. National studies of K-12 computer science education indicate that many students may not perceive advanced computer science as relevant to their education in part because computer science is not treated as a core academic subject under existing policy.

The legislature finds that Hawaii must do more to encourage the study of computer science. Additional steps must be taken to improve and expand access to computer science education, particularly in advanced courses that could prepare students for careers in the field.

The purpose of this Act is to encourage the study of advanced computer science in high school by providing that an Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate computer science course may substitute for one math or science course at the high school level to satisfy basic freshman admission requirements in the University of Hawaii system.

SECTION 2. Chapter 304A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part II to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§304A-   Making computer science count in higher education program. (a) There is established the making computer science count in higher education program to be administered by the university. The purpose of this program is to encourage computer science education in high school by providing that advanced computer science courses will be equivalent to certain core curriculum courses for the purpose of satisfying freshman admission requirements.

(b) For the purposes of this section, "advanced computer science course" means an academic course that:

(1) Is sponsored or approved by either:

(a) the College Board as an Advanced Placement course; or

(b) the International Baccalaureate organization as an International Baccalaureate course;

(2) Meets or exceeds the curriculum standards and requirements established by the board of education; and

(3) Is an eligible course for which college credit may be earned pursuant to section 304A-802 and the policies and procedures established by the university thereunder.

(c) Beginning with the graduating class of 2022, an advanced computer science course successfully completed under this section shall be equivalent to either:

(1) One mathematics course; or

(2) One science course;

for the purpose of satisfying the university's freshman admission requirements as determined by the university."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Computer Science; University of Hawaii; Freshman Admission Requirements; Advanced Placement; International Baccalaureate

Description:

Allows an Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate computer science course to substitute for one math or one science course at the high school level to satisfy the University of Hawaii's freshman admission requirements.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.