Board says computer science and media literacy will be integrated flexibly, not as a universal standalone requirement

When asked how computer science, technology and media literacy would be implemented, Alyssa, the board's senior director of policy, told reporters the state already has learning standards in these areas and the proposal aims to give districts flexibility to integrate standards across core courses or offer standalone classes where appropriate.

"So currently in our state, we already have state learning standards in computer science," Alyssa said, adding that OSPI has been incorporating media literacy as it updates standards. Alyssa and Randy said state law already requires districts to offer an elective computer science course; the proposal is not intended to force a single new statewide standalone graduation course for every student but to ensure the standards are intentionally incorporated so students who do not take an elective CS class still gain core skills.

Board staff said if the bill passes, OSPI could provide additional guidance and resources to districts to help integrate standards across subject areas or to run standalone offerings where districts choose to do so.