By: Parker S.B. No. 2141

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the essential knowledge and skills of the technology applications curriculum for public school students.

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

SECTION 1. Section 28.002(c-3), Education Code, is amended to read as follows:

(c-3) In adopting the essential knowledge and skills for the technology applications curriculum for kindergarten through grade eight, the State Board of Education shall adopt essential knowledge and skills that include Internet safety and keyboard use. The board may not adopt essential knowledge and skills for the technology applications curriculum for kindergarten through grade five that include coding, computer programming, computational thinking, or [and] cybersecurity, or that would require the use of electronic devices, digital instruction, or the Internet, for any purpose other than as necessary for Internet safety curriculum or keyboard use curriculum. The State Board of Education shall review and revise, as needed, the essential knowledge and skills of the technology applications curriculum every five years to ensure the curriculum:

(1) is relevant to student education; and

(2) aligns with current or emerging professions.

SECTION 2. Not later than December 31, 2024, the State Board of Education shall 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 amended by this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.