Pupil instruction: high schools: computer science courses: implementation guide.

Assembly Member Berman's comprehensive computer science education measure mandates California public high schools to offer computer science courses through a phased implementation approach beginning in 2027. The legislation requires school districts and charter schools to adopt plans by January 2027 detailing how they will provide at least one computer science course at each high school by the 2029-30 school year.

The implementation timeline establishes progressive requirements, with at least one high school per district offering computer science by 2027-28, expanding to 50% of district high schools by 2028-29, and reaching all high schools by 2029-30. Charter schools must offer computer science courses by 2028-29. Districts and schools must outline specific strategies to increase enrollment among historically underrepresented groups, including female students, students with disabilities, and students from various ethnic and racial backgrounds.

To support implementation, the State Department of Education must develop a computer science guide by July 2026 under the direction of the California Computer Science Coordinator. This guide will include course options aligned with state standards, credentialing pathways, funding sources for professional development, curriculum resources, and case studies of successful programs. The department must also publicly report detailed enrollment data annually beginning June 2028, disaggregated by demographics including gender, race/ethnicity, special education status, and socioeconomic status.

The measure allows schools to offer virtual or distance learning options when traditional classroom settings are not feasible. Schools must post their implementation plans online and review progress annually at public meetings. The bill's findings note that currently 49% of California high schools do not offer computer science courses, and only 5% of high school students are enrolled in such courses, with significant disparities in access across demographic groups.