SB2142

SECTION 1. Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part II, subpart B, to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§302A- Computer science; diploma substitution. Beginning no later than the spring 2023 semester, the department shall allow each student to fulfill up to two credits of world language, fine arts, or career and technical education required for a high school diploma with up to two credits earned in computer science courses."

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

" . ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

§304A- Computer science; substitution. Beginning not later than with applicants applying for the fall 2024 semester, any admission requirement to successfully complete a high school course in world language, fine arts, or career and technical education may be satisfied by a course earned in computer science, up to a maximum of two credits."

SECTION 3. Chapter 304A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part II, subpart B, to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§304A- Computer science in teaching scholarship program. (a) There is established the computer science in teaching scholarship program to be administered by the University of Hawaii. The purpose of the scholarship program shall be to increase computer science knowledge among Hawaii's department of education teachers.

(b) Subject to available funds, the University of Hawaii shall award scholarships in the amount of $1,000 for each student that completes a course in computer science and is also working towards a degree to become a teacher within the department of education. No person shall be awarded more than one scholarship under this program.

(c) The scholarship program shall prioritize awarding scholarships to students from underrepresented groups and students who agree to teach computer science in schools having higher percentages of students from underrepresented groups, rural schools, or under-resourced schools."

SECTION 4. Chapter 304A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part IV, subpart B, to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§304A- Pathways in computer science education. (a) The college of education shall develop and implement pathways in computer science for students studying to obtain a degree in education.

(b) The pathways shall prepare a student to teach computer science education at the elementary or secondary level.

(c) The University of Hawaii shall allow any student who has completed a pathway under this section to add a certification to the student's major indicating completion of that pathway.

(d) The college of education may collaborate with the information and computer sciences department and nonprofit organizations to implement this section."

SECTION 5. Section 302A-802, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"§302A-802 Licensing and certification standards; policies. (a) The board shall establish licensing and certification standards that govern teacher licensing and certification in Hawaii. Licensing and certification standards established by the board shall be adopted as rules under chapter 91 unless otherwise specified in this subpart.

(b) In the development of its standards, the board shall consider the existing teacher applicant pool that is available in the State and the level of the qualification of these applicants, as well as the nature and availability of existing preservice teacher training programs.

(1) Develop criteria allowing more individuals with trade or industry experience to teach in vocational, technical, and career pathway programs, and criteria for the issuance of permits allowing qualified individuals to teach when recommended by the superintendent or the commission, when appropriate. The department or the commission, when appropriate, shall be responsible for the review and acceptance of the relevant licenses, certificates, or other qualifications related to an individual's vocational, technical, or career pathway education-related experience that the department or the commission, when appropriate, deems necessary for a permit. The department or the commission, when appropriate, shall have the authority to waive the requirement of a bachelor's degree to teach in a vocation, technical, or career pathway education program;

(2) Develop a plan to accept teachers from any state as long as they have completed state-approved teacher education programs and pass relevant Hawaii teacher examinations or their equivalent;

(3) Clarify the requirements, on a state-by-state basis, for out-of-state licensed teachers to obtain a license in Hawaii;

(4) Develop a plan to facilitate licensing for those who intend to teach in Hawaii immersion programs, the island of Niihau, or any other extraordinary situation as defined by the superintendent or the superintendent's designee, or by the commission, when appropriate;

(5) Pursue full teacher license reciprocity with all other states; and

(6) Develop a plan to facilitate an optional certification for those who teach or intend to teach at private schools.

(d) By June 30, 2023, any program of teacher preparation leading to a license or certification shall include, as part of the curriculum, instruction in computer science and computational thinking as applied to student learning and classroom instruction that are grade-level and subject-area appropriate."

SECTION 6. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2022-2023 for the computer science in teaching scholarship program.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the University of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 7. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 8. This Act shall take effect upon its approval; provided that section 6 shall take effect on July 1, 2022.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2142
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022
STATE OF HAWAII