An Act To Establish Computer Science Courses and Content in Kindergarten to Grade 12 Schools
Sec. 1. 20-A MRSA c. 335 is enacted to read:
CHAPTER 335
COMPUTER SCIENCE EDUCATION
§ 9931. Definitions
As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.
§ 9932. Computer science professional development grant program
The commissioner shall establish a competitive grant program to provide support to eligible entities pursuant to this section.
§ 9933. Statewide computer science education plan
Prior to the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year, the department shall develop a statewide plan for computer science education to communicate and implement the department's vision of and goals for kindergarten to grade 12 computer science education. The department shall update the plan on a regular basis.
§ 9934. Development of computer science standards
Prior to the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year, the department shall develop rigorous kindergarten to grade 12 computer science education standards and shall consider computer science courses and content standards that exist prior to the 2020-2021 school year. The department shall update the standards on a regular basis.
§ 9935. Computer devices and instructional materials access grant program
The commissioner shall establish a competitive grant program for eligible entities to receive funds for the purchase of computer devices and instructional materials.
§ 9936. Computer science teacher certification program
The commissioner shall work with the University of Maine System to develop and implement, on at least 4 campuses of the system, a computer science teacher certification program for students majoring in education. The program must be designed to enable a certified student to begin teaching computer science courses and content in kindergarten to grade 12 schools immediately upon graduation.
§ 9937. Rules
The commissioner may adopt rules necessary to implement the provisions of this chapter. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.
Sec. 2. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and allocations are made.
EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF
Learning Systems Team Z081
Initiative: Provides ongoing funds for a grant program for eligible entities to provide computer science professional development training for teachers in kindergarten to grade 12.
| GENERAL FUND | 2019-20 | 2020-21 |
|
All Other
|
$1,095,000 | $1,095,000 |
 |
|
|
| GENERAL FUND TOTAL | $1,095,000 | $1,095,000 |
Learning Systems Team Z081
Initiative: Provides one-time funds for the creation of a statewide plan for computer science and the development and implementation of learning standards in computer science for kindergarten to grade 12.
| GENERAL FUND | 2019-20 | 2020-21 |
|
All Other
|
$120,000 | $0 |
|
|
|
| GENERAL FUND TOTAL | $120,000 | $0 |
Learning Systems Team Z081
Initiative: Provides ongoing funds for a grant program for eligible entities to provide devices and instructional materials for computer science education.
| GENERAL FUND | 2019-20 | 2020-21 |
|
All Other
|
$909,066 | $855,000 |
|
|
|
| GENERAL FUND TOTAL | $909,066 | $855,000 |
Learning Systems Team Z081
Initiative: Provides ongoing funds for one Regional Education Representative position and associated All Other costs to serve as the kindergarten to grade 12 computer science liaison position to support the creation and implementation of a statewide plan for computer science education and to develop and implement computer science standards.
| GENERAL FUND | 2019-20 | 2020-21 |
|
POSITIONS - LEGISLATIVE COUNT
|
1.000 | 1.000 |
|
Personal Services
|
$73,803 | $103,009 |
|
All Other
|
$6,383 | $6,383 |
|
|
|
| GENERAL FUND TOTAL | $80,186 | $109,392 |
| EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF | ||
| DEPARTMENT TOTALS | 2019-20 | 2020-21 |
|
GENERAL FUND
|
$2,204,252 | $2,059,392 |
|
|
|
| DEPARTMENT TOTAL - ALL FUNDS | $2,204,252 | $2,059,392 |
UNIVERSITY OF MAINE SYSTEM, BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE
Educational and General Activities - UMS 0031
Initiative: Provides ongoing funds for a certification program for University of Maine System students majoring in education to become certified to teach computer science courses and content in kindergarten to grade 12 upon graduation.
| GENERAL FUND | 2019-20 | 2020-21 |
|
All Other
|
$152,000 | $120,000 |
|
|
|
| GENERAL FUND TOTAL | $152,000 | $120,000 |
| UNIVERSITY OF MAINE SYSTEM, BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE | ||
| DEPARTMENT TOTALS | 2019-20 | 2020-21 |
|
GENERAL FUND
|
$152,000 | $120,000 |
|
|
|
| DEPARTMENT TOTAL - ALL FUNDS | $152,000 | $120,000 |
| SECTION TOTALS | 2019-20 | 2020-21 |
|
GENERAL FUND
|
$2,356,252 | $2,179,392 |
|
|
|
| SECTION TOTAL - ALL FUNDS | $2,356,252 | $2,179,392 |
summary
This bill provides the necessary resources and support for kindergarten to grade 12 schools to adopt computer science into their courses and curriculums. The bill establishes a grant program for computer science professional development, including costs of transportation, mentoring and coaching. The bill also requires the Department of Education to develop a statewide plan as well as computer science standards for kindergarten to grade 12 schools. The bill creates a full-time Regional Education Representative position in the Department of Education to support the creation and implementation of the plan and the standards. The bill establishes a grant program for computer devices and instructional materials to provide the tools necessary for schools to implement computer science courses and content. The bill also establishes a computer science teacher certification program for students who are majoring in education in the University of Maine System. Finally, the bill authorizes the Department of Education to adopt rules as necessary to implement the provisions of the bill.