Committee approves CTE option in place of exclusive computer-science graduation requirement after debate

The Senate Education Committee on Wednesday passed Senate Bill 369 as amended to broaden the high-school graduation requirement so one required course may be satisfied by a career and technical education (CTE) pathway; that list must include at least one computer-science option.

Senator Jim Dodson, sponsor of the bill, said the measure adjusts graduation options so students pursuing career-technical pathways can complete necessary certifications and schedules without being forced to take an additional computer-science credit that might interfere with their pathway. He said the change permits a career-technical course to count toward graduation and that WorkKeys-based college-and-career readiness courses would be eligible for numeric grades similar to honors courses.

The measure prompted opposition from Anthony Owen of code.org, who urged retaining a specific computer-science graduation requirement. Owen and other witnesses argued computer science improves performance across subjects and expands opportunities; bill supporters responded the amendment preserves a computer-science option within the CTE menu and does not bar students from taking CS courses.

Department officials and career-technical directors told the committee the bill would not reduce funding for centers and could increase program enrollment. After question-and-answer and public comment, the committee passed the bill as amended.

What happens next: The bill passed the education committee and will proceed per the Senate schedule.