HB2607 Summary

• Requires the Department of Education to develop and implement a statewide computer science curricula plan for kindergarten through 12th grade, which may include design thinking.

• Mandates that each public high school offer at least one computer science course during each school year, beginning with the 2021-2022 school year.

• Authorizes the Department of Education to contract with educational agencies, institutions of higher education in Hawaii, or nationally recognized computer science professional development providers to develop teacher training programs.

• Appropriates $500,000 from general revenues for fiscal year 2018-2019 to fund computer science curricula development, course offerings, and teacher development programs.

• Takes effect on July 1, 2018, with any unspent funds lapsing on June 30, 2019.