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State board announces intent to require computer science or embedded digital literacy for graduation beginning with class of 2031–32
Summary
The Alabama State Board of Education announced intent to amend Alabama Administrative Code Rule 290-3-1-.02 to add digital literacy and computer science as a high school graduation requirement starting with the graduating class of 2031–32; the rule will be open for 45 days of public comment and could return for final action as early as August.
The Alabama State Board of Education on June 13 announced its intent to amend Alabama Administrative Code Rule 290-3-1-.02 to add digital literacy and computer science as a high school graduation requirement beginning with the graduating class of 2031–32.
State Superintendent Doctor Mackey said the change is intended to ensure ‘‘all students have both the information about next steps after high school for college, and also the opportunity to go on.’’ The department described the change as a blend of options: students may take a stand‑alone computer science course, take a course with embedded computer‑science skills, or meet the requirement through certain career and technical education courses that the department already counts as meeting computer‑science content.
The department said some career‑tech and project‑based courses already qualify, and that students who take a stand‑alone computer‑science course will still be able to earn dual credit in math or science where available. Doctor Mackey said the department’s computer‑science staff will issue guidance and minimum standards and will work with high schools on immediate implementation while assuring compliance by the stated cohort deadline.
The board voted to announce the intent; the department will open a 45‑day public comment period on the proposed rule. Doctor Mackey said the rule could return to the board for final approval no earlier than the August meeting.
If adopted, local high schools will have flexibility to meet the standard through existing career and technical courses or standalone classes that meet the department’s minimums. The board did not set a funding mechanism in the announcement; implementation details and an official rollout timeline are to be developed by department staff and shared with school systems.
Next steps: the department will publish the proposed language for public comment for 45 days, gather feedback, and may bring a final rule back to the board at or after the August meeting.
