BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 2984
86R12794 MP-D	By: Allison et al. (Taylor)
	Education
	5/8/2019
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Computer science and coding skills are in strong demand in the job market. There are 37,000 open jobs in computer science in Texas alone, with a median salary of $91,000�almost double the statewide median salary. Despite these opportunities, less than 3 percent of Texas students took a computer science course in the 2015�2016 school year. H.B. 2984 seeks to ensure that public school students receive the essential knowledge and skills and development in technology applications, computer science, coding, programming, and computational thinking to prepare them for these high paying jobs.

H.B. 2984 amends current law relating to the essential knowledge and skills of the technology applications curriculum.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 28.002, Education Code, by adding Subsection (c-3), as follows:

(c-3) Requires the State Board of Education (SBOE), in adopting the essential knowledge and skills for the technology applications curriculum for kindergarten through grade eight, to adopt essential knowledge and skills that include coding, computer programming, computational thinking, and cybersecurity. Requires SBOE to review and revise, as needed, the essential knowledge and skills of the technology applications curriculum every five years to ensure the curriculum is relevant to student education and aligns with current or emerging professions.

SECTION 2. Requires SBOE, not later than December 31, 2020, to review and revise, as needed, the essential knowledge and skills of the technology applications curriculum as required by Section 28.002(c-3), Education Code, as added by this Act.

SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2019.