SF 2224 — A bill for an act relating to computer science education, including by modifying provisions related to standards for computer science education, the curriculum provided to students enrolled in grades nine through twelve, and practitioner preparation programs, and including applicability provisions.

Senate File 2224 - IntroducedReprinted SENATE FILE 2224 BY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION (SUCCESSOR TO SSB 3050) (As Amended and Passed by the Senate February 24, 2026) A BILL FOR An Act relating to computer science education, including by modifying provisions related to standards for computer science education, the curriculum provided to students enrolled in grades nine through twelvetwelve, byand allowingpractitioner instructionpreparation relatedprograms, toand technology,including engineering,applicability orprovisions. manufacturing to meet a portion of the unit requirements related to computer science.

TLSBSF 6051SV2224 (1)(2) 91 jda/jhjda/jh/mb S.F.

Section 256.7, subsection 26, paragraph a, subparagraph (4), Code 2026, is amended to read as follows:

(4) The rules shall provide for the establishment of high-quality standards for computer science education taught by elementary, middle, and high schools, in accordance with the goal established under section 284.6A, subsection 1, setting a foundation for personal and professional success in a high-technology, knowledge-based Iowa economy.

The high-quality standards for computer science education must require that all levels and grades of computer science instruction include instruction related to the fundamental concepts of evolving computer science technologies and artificial intelligence, including instruction that explains what artificial intelligence is, how artificial intelligence works, and the societal and ethical impacts of artificial intelligence.

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Section 256.16, subsection 1, Code 2026, is amended SF 2224 (2) 91 -1- jda/jh/mb 1/2 S.F.

2224 by adding the following new paragraph:

NEW PARAGRAPH .

p.

Include preparation in computer science, artificial intelligence, and computational thinking that is appropriate to the grade level and subject area in which the student who is enrolled in the practitioner preparation program will teach.

A higher education institution providing practitioner preparation may satisfy this requirement by requiring a student who is enrolled in the practitioner preparation program to complete a dedicated course or module, or by integrating such preparation into the existing practitioner preparation program.

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EXPLANATIONSec. The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with LSB 6051SV (1) 91 -1- jda/jh 1/2 S.F.

22246. the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly.

ThisAPPLICABILITY. bill modifies provisions related to the curriculum provided to students enrolled in grades 9 through 12 in school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools by allowing instruction related to technology, engineering, or manufacturing to meet a portion of the unit requirements related to computer science.

The billfollowing providesapplies thatto suchstudents instructionadmitted related to computeran scienceapproved maypractitioner bepreparation taughtprogram throughon dedicated units of coursework or throughafter unitsJuly of1, coursework2028: that also meet the requirements related to technology, engineering, or manufacturing instruction under the career and technical education curriculum.

The billsection requires the state board of educationthis toAct adoptamending rulessection to256.16. implement the bill’s provisions.

LSBSF 6051SV2224 (1)(2) 91 -2- jda/jhjda/jh/mb 2/2