Senate Committee Hears Bill to Require Computer Science K–12; Sponsor Says Amendment Lowers Funding Ask

Senate Committee on Education Chair Frederick opened a public hearing Feb. 5 on Senate Bill 541, a bill that would require Oregon public schools to offer computer science education at all grade levels beginning in the 2026–27 school year and direct the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) to provide teacher supports and staff to lead the work.

The bill’s sponsor, state Senator Janine Salmon, told the committee the measure “requires the Oregon Department of Education to develop and maintain teacher supports, hire staff, and support access to computer science education.” Salmon said the measure also would require the State Board of Education to include computer science in its routine review of curriculum goals, performance indicators and diploma requirements and initially described a $20 million general-fund appropriation in the introduced language. She said an amendment being offered narrows the funding ask to $5 million and pushes the…