Committee advances HB 297 to expand computer science endorsement pathways for teachers
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Summary
House Bill 297 would broaden pathways to a computer science endorsement so more K–12 teachers and industry professionals can qualify to teach computer science. The bill clarifies that candidates need only one of several pathways, adds an appropriation request for professional development, and the committee issued a do-pass recommendation after an
Representative Sarunana introduced House Bill 297 to expand licensure pathways for a computer science endorsement and to make the endorsement available to additional license types beyond secondary certification. Paige Prescott of the Computer Science Alliance, an education nonprofit, said the bill creates multiple pathways for educators to earn the endorsement, including course credits, passing a licensure exam, documented work experience, industry certifications, professional development hours and prior computer-science teaching experience.
The committee considered and adopted a clarifying amendment that makes explicit that candidates must complete at least one of the listed pathways rather than all of them. Witnesses said the amendment simply aligns language with legislative intent so that teachers may use any one qualifying pathway. Bill sponsors also asked for an appropriation to support professional development and rollout of the endorsement through the Public Education Department.
Supporters from industry and higher education said expanding endorsement pathways will help districts find qualified personnel to teach computer science and support long-term workforce development. Roy Soto, appearing as a former state chief information officer and a representative of industry interests, said computer science skills are fundamental across career clusters and urged funding for teacher development. Witnesses noted that since the original endorsement became available, 129 teachers had earned the endorsement and that certain pathways were due to expire unless the law was updated.
Committee members asked whether the bill would create a distinct computer science licensure exam and how the endorsement differs from existing technology endorsements. Sponsors said a specific teaching licensure exam for computer science exists and that the new endorsement aligns to computer-science competencies developed by national organizations, which are narrower than broad technology endorsements. Members also discussed allowing industry experience and CTE pathways to count toward the endorsement.
The committee adopted the amendment and then voted to give HB 297 a do-pass recommendation. Sponsors and witnesses noted the need to monitor the endorsement as computer science curricula and industry needs evolve and suggested future review as the program matures.
