Require students complete a high school computer science course

sb326_02_PS

As Passed by the Senate

136th
General Assembly

Regular
Session
Sub. S. B. No. 326

2025-2026

Senators Cirino, Ingram

Cosponsors: Senators Koehler,
Smith, Weinstein, Antonio, Blackshear, Brenner, Chavez, Craig,
Gavarone, Hicks-Hudson, Lang, Reineke, Reynolds, Timken

To
amend sections 3313.603, 3314.03
,
3322.20
,
3326.15, and 3328.22 and to enact sections 3313.6034 and 3313.6035 of
the Revised Code
to
require school districts to offer, and students to complete, at least
one high school computer science course.

BE
IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF OHIO:

Section
1.
That
sections 3313.603, 3314.03
,
3322.20
,
3326.15, and 3328.22 be amended and sections 3313.6034 and 3313.6035
of the Revised Code be enacted to read as follows:

Sec.
3313.603.
(A)
As used in this section:

(1)
"One unit" means a minimum of one hundred twenty hours of
course instruction, except that for a laboratory course, "one
unit" means a minimum of one hundred fifty hours of course
instruction.

(2)
"One-half unit" means a minimum of sixty hours of course
instruction, except that for physical education courses, "one-half
unit" means a minimum of one hundred twenty hours of course
instruction.

(B)
Beginning September 15, 2001, except as required in division (C) of
this section and division (C) of section 3313.614 of the Revised
Code, the requirements for graduation from every high school shall
include twenty units earned in grades nine through twelve and shall
be distributed as follows:

(1)
English language arts, four units;

(2)
Health, one-half unit;

(3)
Mathematics, three units;

(4)
Physical education, one-half unit;

(5)
Science, two units until September 15, 2003, and three units
thereafter, which at all times shall include both of the following:

(a)
Biological sciences, one unit;

(b)
Physical sciences, one unit.

(6)
History and government, one unit, which shall comply with division
(M) of this section and shall include both of the following:

(a)
American history, one-half unit;

(b)
American government, one-half unit.

(7)
Social studies, two units.

Beginning
with students who enter ninth grade for the first time on or after
July 1, 2017, the two units of instruction prescribed by division
(B)(7) of this section shall include at least one-half unit of
instruction in the study of world history and civilizations.

(8)
Elective units, seven units until September 15, 2003, and six units
thereafter.

Each
student's electives shall include at least one unit, or two half
units, chosen from among the areas of business/technology, fine arts,
and/or foreign language.

(C)
Beginning with students who enter ninth grade for the first time on
or after July 1, 2010, except as provided in divisions (D) to (F) of
this section, the requirements for graduation from every public and
chartered nonpublic high school shall include twenty units that are
designed to prepare students for the workforce and college. The units
shall be distributed as follows:

(1)
English language arts, four units;

(2)
Health, one-half unit, which shall include instruction in nutrition
and the benefits of nutritious foods and physical activity for
overall health;

(3)
Mathematics, four units, which shall include one unit of algebra II
or the equivalent of algebra II, or one unit of advanced computer
science as described in the standards adopted pursuant to division
(A)(4) of section 3301.079 of the Revised Code. However, students who
enter ninth grade for the first time on or after July 1, 2015, and
who are pursuing a career-technical instructional track shall not be
required to take algebra II or advanced computer science, and instead
may complete a career-based pathway mathematics course approved by
the department of education and workforce as an alternative.

For
students who choose to take advanced computer science in lieu of
algebra II under division (C)(3) of this section, the school shall
communicate to those students that some institutions of higher
education may require algebra II for the purpose of college
admission. Also, the parent, guardian, or legal custodian of each
student who chooses to take advanced computer science in lieu of
algebra II shall sign and submit to the school a document containing
a statement acknowledging that not taking algebra II may have an
adverse effect on college admission decisions.

A
student may fulfill one unit of mathematics under division (C)(3) of
this section by completing one-half unit of financial literacy
instruction to satisfy the requirement prescribed under division
(C)(9) of this section and one-half unit of a mathematics course. The
one-half unit course in mathematics shall not be in algebra II, or
its equivalent, or a course for which the department requires an
end-of-course examination under section 3301.0712 of the Revised
Code.

Students
who choose to take one unit of advanced computer science in lieu of
algebra II, as described in division (C)(3) of this section, shall
not be permitted to complete one-half unit of financial literacy
instruction to satisfy the mathematics unit requirements of that
division. Instead, those students shall be required to complete the
one-half unit of financial literacy instruction under division (C)(8)
of this section.

(4)
Physical education, one-half unit;

(5)
Science, three units with inquiry-based laboratory experience that
engages students in asking valid scientific questions and gathering
and analyzing information, which shall include the following, or
their equivalent:

(a)
Physical sciences, one unit;

(b)
Life sciences, one unit;

(c)
Advanced study in one or more of the following sciences, one unit:

(i)
Chemistry, physics, or other physical science;

(ii)
Advanced biology or other life science;

(iii)
Astronomy, physical geology, or other earth or space science;

(iv)
Computer science.

No
student shall substitute a computer science course for a life
sciences or biology course under division (C)(5) of this section.

(6)
History and government, one unit, which shall comply with division
(M) of this section and shall include both of the following:

(a)
American history, one-half unit;

(b)
American government, one-half unit.

(7)
Social studies, two units.

Beginning
with students who enter ninth grade for the first time on or after
July 1, 2017, the two units of instruction prescribed by division
(C)(7) of this section shall include at least one-half unit of
instruction in the study of world history and civilizations.

(8)
Five units consisting of one or any combination of foreign language,
fine arts, business, career-technical education, family and consumer
sciences, technology which may include computer science, agricultural
education, a junior reserve officer training corps (JROTC) program
approved by the congress of the United States under title 10 of the
United States Code, or English language arts, mathematics, science,
or social studies courses not otherwise required under division (C)
of this section.

One-half
unit of instruction under division (C)(8) of this section may be
instruction in financial literacy to satisfy the requirement under
division (C)(9) of this section.

(9)(a)
Except as provided in division (C)(9)(b) of this section, for
students who enter ninth grade for the first time on or after July 1,
2022, financial literacy, one-half unit. Each student shall elect to
complete the one-half unit of instruction in financial literacy
either in lieu of one-half unit of instruction in mathematics under
division (C)(3) of this section or an elective under division (C)(8)
of this section. A student may fulfill the financial literacy
instruction requirement under division (C)(9) of this section through
the successful completion of an advanced placement course in
microeconomics or macroeconomics.

(b)
A student attending a nonpublic school accredited through the
independent schools association of the central states or any other
chartered nonpublic school shall not be required to complete the
one-half unit of financial literacy instruction prescribed in
division (C)(9)(a) of this section, unless that student is attending
the school under a state scholarship program as defined in section
3301.0711 of the Revised Code.

The
study and instruction of financial literacy required under division
(C)(9) of this section shall align with the academic content
standards for financial literacy and entrepreneurship adopted under
division (A)(2) of section 3301.079 of the Revised Code. The
instruction provided under an advanced placement course in
microeconomics or macroeconomics shall be considered to be aligned
with those academic content standards. In developing the curriculum
for the study and instruction of financial literacy, schools may use
available public-private partnerships and resources and materials
that exist in business, industry, and through the centers for
economics education at institutions of higher education.

(10)(a)
Except as provided in divisions (C)(10)(c) and (d) of this section,
beginning with students who enter ninth grade for the first time on
or after July 1, 2029, one-half unit in computer science, taken in
any of grades eight through twelve. The one-half unit of computer
science shall include instruction in evolving areas of computer
science, such as artificial intelligence, including an understanding
of what it is, how it works, and its impact on society. For each
student who completes one-half unit of computer science, the
half-unit shall count as one-half of an elective unit under division
(C)(8) of this section. If a student elects to complete a full unit
of instruction in computer science, the unit shall count as one of
the following:

(i)
One unit of science under division (C)(5) of this section. However,
only a unit of advanced computer science may be used in lieu of one
unit of advanced science, that is not biology or other life science,
under division (C)(5)(c) of this section.

(ii)
One elective unit under division (C)(8) of this section;

(iii)
If the one unit of computer science is advanced computer science, one
unit of mathematics in lieu of algebra II, math 3, or the equivalent
under division (C)(3) of this section;

(iv)
One unit of foreign language, as permitted in division (E) of this
section.

The
department shall develop and make publicly available guidance for
high schools to use regarding the use of computer science courses in
lieu of a unit of science under division (C)(10)(a)(i) of this
section or a unit of foreign language under division (E) of this
section.

(b)
Not later than July 1, 2027, the department shall adopt a list of
courses that may be used to satisfy this requirement, using the
recommendations in the report of the state committee on computer
science issued under section 3301.23 of the Revised Code as guidance,
and including any college credit plus or other course that meets the
requirements prescribed in division (B) of section 3313.6034 of the
Revised Code. The department shall update that list on a regular
basis to respond to educational and industry trends.

The
department shall make the list available on its publicly accessible
web site. The department shall include a course on the list only if
the course meets or exceeds the standards and curriculum adopted
under section 3301.079 of the Revised Code. For each approved course,
the department shall include the course's name, description, and
corresponding course code on the list.

(c)(i)
A public or chartered nonpublic school may exempt a student from the
requirement in division (C)(10) of this section if the student
demonstrates competency in computer science and artificial
intelligence by completing seventy-five cumulative hours of
structured content in computer science and artificial intelligence
instruction offered by a provider approved under the Ohio computer
science promise program established under section 3322.20 of the
Revised Code, and that instruction includes at least twenty hours of
programming content and the remaining hours on at least two of the
following topics:

(I)
Artificial intelligence;

(II)
Networks and the internet;

(III)
Data and analysis;

(IV)
Computing systems;

(V)
Impacts of computing.

(ii)
The department may exempt a student from the requirement in division
(C)(10) of this section if the student demonstrates competency in
computer science and artificial intelligence by doing either of the
following:

(I)
Receiving a score of three or higher on an advanced placement or
international baccalaureate examination in computer science;

(II)
Completing seventy-five cumulative hours of structured content in
computer science and artificial intelligence instruction as described
in division (C)(10)(c)(i) of this section that is not offered by a
provider approved under the Ohio computer science promise program
established under section 3322.20 of the Revised Code.

(d)
Division (C)(10) of this section does not apply to a student who was
enrolled in high school in a state without a computer science
requirement that transfers to a high school in this state during the
student's senior year.

Ohioans
must be prepared to apply increased knowledge and skills in the
workplace and to adapt their knowledge and skills quickly to meet the
rapidly changing conditions of the twenty-first century. National
studies indicate that all high school graduates need the same
academic foundation, regardless of the opportunities they pursue
after graduation. The goal of Ohio's system of elementary and
secondary education is to prepare all students for and seamlessly
connect all students to success in life beyond high school
graduation, regardless of whether the next step is entering the
workforce, beginning an apprenticeship, engaging in post-secondary
training, serving in the military, or pursuing a college degree.

The
requirements for graduation prescribed in division (C) of this
section are the standard expectation for all students entering ninth
grade for the first time at a public or chartered nonpublic high
school on or after July 1, 2010. A student may satisfy this
expectation through a variety of methods, including, but not limited
to, integrated, applied, career-technical, and traditional
coursework.

Stronger
coordination between high schools and institutions of higher
education is necessary to prepare students for more challenging
academic endeavors and to lessen the need for academic remediation in
college, thereby reducing the costs of higher education for Ohio's
students, families, and the state. The department and the chancellor
of higher education shall develop policies to ensure that only in
rare instances will students who complete the requirements for
graduation prescribed in division (C) of this section require
academic remediation after high school.

School
districts, community schools, and chartered nonpublic schools shall
integrate technology into learning experiences across the curriculum
in order to maximize efficiency, enhance learning, and prepare
students for success in the technology-driven twenty-first century.
Districts and schools shall use distance and web-based course
delivery as a method of providing or augmenting all instruction
required under this division, including laboratory experience in
science. Districts and schools shall utilize technology access and
electronic learning opportunities provided by the broadcast
educational media commission, chancellor, the Ohio learning network,
education technology centers, public television stations, and other
public and private providers.

(D)
Except as provided in division (E) of this section, a student who
enters ninth grade on or after July 1, 2010, and before July 1, 2016,
may qualify for graduation from a public or chartered nonpublic high
school even though the student has not completed the requirements for
graduation prescribed in division (C) of this section if all of the
following conditions are satisfied:

(1)
During the student's third year of attending high school, as
determined by the school, the student and the student's parent,
guardian, or custodian sign and file with the school a written
statement asserting the parent's, guardian's, or custodian's consent
to the student's graduating without completing the requirements for
graduation prescribed in division (C) of this section and
acknowledging that one consequence of not completing those
requirements is ineligibility to enroll in most state universities in
Ohio without further coursework.

(2)
The student and parent, guardian, or custodian fulfill any procedural
requirements the school stipulates to ensure the student's and
parent's, guardian's, or custodian's informed consent and to
facilitate orderly filing of statements under division (D)(1) of this
section. Annually, each district or school shall notify the
department of the number of students who choose to qualify for
graduation under division (D) of this section and the number of
students who complete the student's success plan and graduate from
high school.

(3)
The student and the student's parent, guardian, or custodian and a
representative of the student's high school jointly develop a student
success plan for the student in the manner described in division
(C)(1) of section 3313.6020 of the Revised Code that specifies the
student matriculating to a two-year degree program, acquiring a
business and industry-recognized credential, or entering an
apprenticeship.

(4)
The student's high school provides counseling and support for the
student related to the plan developed under division (D)(3) of this
section during the remainder of the student's high school experience.

(5)(a)
Except as provided in division (D)(5)(b) of this section, the student
successfully completes, at a minimum, the curriculum prescribed in
division (B) of this section.

(b)
Beginning with students who enter ninth grade for the first time on
or after July 1, 2014, a student shall be required to complete
successfully, at the minimum, the curriculum prescribed in division
(B) of this section, except as follows:

(i)
Mathematics, four units, one unit which shall be one of the
following:

(I)
Probability and statistics;

(II)
Computer science;

(III)
Applied mathematics or quantitative reasoning;

(IV)
Any other course approved by the department using standards
established by the superintendent not later than October 1, 2014.

(ii)
Elective units, five units;

(iii)
Science, three units as prescribed by division (B) of this section
which shall include inquiry-based laboratory experience that engages
students in asking valid scientific questions and gathering and
analyzing information.

(E)
Each school district and chartered nonpublic school retains the
authority to require an even more challenging minimum curriculum for
high school graduation than specified in division (B) or (C) of this
section. A school district board of education, through the adoption
of a resolution, or the governing authority of a chartered nonpublic
school may stipulate any of the following:

(1)
A minimum high school curriculum that requires more than twenty units
of academic credit to graduate;

(2)
An exception to the district's or school's minimum high school
curriculum that is comparable to the exception provided in division
(D) of this section but with additional requirements, which may
include a requirement that the student successfully complete more
than the minimum curriculum prescribed in division (B) of this
section;

(3)
That no exception comparable to that provided in division (D) of this
section is available.

If
a school district or chartered nonpublic school requires a foreign
language as an additional graduation requirement under division (E)
of this section, a student may apply one unit of instruction in
computer coding to satisfy one unit of foreign language. If a student
applies more than one computer coding course to satisfy the foreign
language requirement, the courses shall be sequential and
progressively more difficult.

(F)
A student enrolled in a dropout prevention and recovery program,
which program has received a waiver from the department, may qualify
for graduation from high school by successfully completing a
competency-based instructional program administered by the dropout
prevention and recovery program in lieu of completing the
requirements for graduation prescribed in division (C) of this
section. The department shall grant a waiver to a dropout prevention
and recovery program, within sixty days after the program applies for
the waiver, if the program meets all of the following conditions:

(1)
The program serves only students not younger than sixteen years of
age and not older than twenty-one years of age.

(2)
The program enrolls students who, at the time of their initial
enrollment, either, or both, are at least one grade level behind
their cohort age groups or experience crises that significantly
interfere with their academic progress such that they are prevented
from continuing their traditional programs.

(3)
The program requires students to attain at least the applicable score
designated for each of the assessments prescribed under division
(B)(1) of section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code or, to the extent
prescribed by rule of the department under division (D)(5) of section
3301.0712 of the Revised Code, division (B)(2) of that section.

(4)
The program develops a student success plan for the student in the
manner described in division (C)(1) of section 3313.6020 of the
Revised Code that specifies the student's matriculating to a two-year
degree program, acquiring a business and industry-recognized
credential, or entering an apprenticeship.

(5)
The program provides counseling and support for the student related
to the plan developed under division (F)(4) of this section during
the remainder of the student's high school experience.

(6)
The program requires the student and the student's parent, guardian,
or custodian to sign and file, in accordance with procedural
requirements stipulated by the program, a written statement asserting
the parent's, guardian's, or custodian's consent to the student's
graduating without completing the requirements for graduation
prescribed in division (C) of this section and acknowledging that one
consequence of not completing those requirements is ineligibility to
enroll in most state universities in Ohio without further coursework.

(7)
Prior to receiving the waiver, the program has submitted to the
department an instructional plan that demonstrates how the academic
content standards adopted by the department under section 3301.079 of
the Revised Code will be taught and assessed.

(8)
Prior to receiving the waiver, the program has submitted to the
department a policy on career advising that satisfies the
requirements of section 3313.6020 of the Revised Code, with an
emphasis on how every student will receive career advising.

(9)
Prior to receiving the waiver, the program has submitted to the
department a written agreement outlining the future cooperation
between the program and any combination of local job training,
postsecondary education, nonprofit, and health and social service
organizations to provide services for students in the program and
their families.

Divisions
(F)(8) and (9) of this section apply only to waivers granted on or
after July 1, 2015.

If
the department does not act either to grant the waiver or to reject
the program application for the waiver within sixty days as required
under this section, the waiver shall be considered to be granted.

(G)
Every high school may permit students below the ninth grade to take
advanced work. If a high school so permits, it shall award high
school credit for successful completion of the advanced work and
shall count such advanced work toward the graduation requirements of
division (B) or (C) of this section if the advanced work was both:

(1)
Taught by a person who possesses a license or certificate issued
under section 3301.071, 3319.22, or 3319.222 of the Revised Code that
is valid for teaching high school;

(2)
Designated by the board of education of the city, local, or exempted
village school district, the board of the cooperative education
school district, or the governing authority of the chartered
nonpublic school as meeting the high school curriculum requirements.

Each
high school shall record on the student's high school transcript all
high school credit awarded under division (G) of this section. In
addition, if the student completed a seventh- or eighth-grade fine
arts course described in division (K) of this section and the course
qualified for high school credit under that division, the high school
shall record that course on the student's high school transcript.

(H)
The department shall make its individual academic career plan
available through its Ohio career information system web site for
districts and schools to use as a tool for communicating with and
providing guidance to students and families in selecting high school
courses.

(I)
A school district or chartered nonpublic school may integrate
academic content in a subject area for which the department has
adopted standards under section 3301.079 of the Revised Code into a
course in a different subject area, including a career-technical
education course, in accordance with guidance for integrated
coursework developed by the department. Upon successful completion of
an integrated course, a student may receive credit for both subject
areas that were integrated into the course. Units earned for subject
area content delivered through integrated academic and
career-technical instruction are eligible to meet the graduation
requirements of division (B) or (C) of this section.

For
purposes of meeting graduation requirements, if an end-of-course
examination has been prescribed under section 3301.0712 of the
Revised Code for the subject area delivered through integrated
instruction, the school district or school may administer the related
subject area examinations upon the student's completion of the
integrated course.

Nothing
in division (I) of this section shall be construed to excuse any
school district, chartered nonpublic school, or student from any
requirement in the Revised Code related to curriculum, assessments,
or the awarding of a high school diploma.

(J)(1)
The department, in consultation with the chancellor, shall adopt a
statewide plan implementing methods for students to earn units of
high school credit based on a demonstration of subject area
competency, instead of or in combination with completing hours of
classroom instruction. The plan shall include a standard method for
recording demonstrated proficiency on high school transcripts. Each
school district and community school shall comply with the
department's plan adopted under this division and award units of high
school credit in accordance with the plan. The department may adopt
existing methods for earning high school credit based on a
demonstration of subject area competency as necessary prior to the
2009-2010 school year.

(2)
The department shall update the statewide plan adopted pursuant to
division (J)(1) of this section to also include methods for students
enrolled in seventh and eighth grade to meet curriculum requirements
based on a demonstration of subject area competency, instead of or in
combination with completing hours of classroom instruction. Beginning
with the 2017-2018 school year, each school district and community
school also shall comply with the updated plan adopted pursuant to
this division and permit students enrolled in seventh and eighth
grade to meet curriculum requirements based on subject area
competency in accordance with the plan.

(3)
The department shall develop a framework for school districts and
community schools to use in granting units of high school credit to
students who demonstrate subject area competency through work-based
learning experiences, internships, or cooperative education.
Beginning with the 2018-2019 school year, each district and community
school shall comply with the framework. Each district and community
school also shall review any policy it has adopted regarding the
demonstration of subject area competency to identify ways to
incorporate work-based learning experiences, internships, and
cooperative education into the policy in order to increase student
engagement and opportunities to earn units of high school credit.

(K)
This division does not apply to students who qualify for graduation
from high school under division (D) or (F) of this section, or to
students pursuing a career-technical instructional track as
determined by the school district board of education or the chartered
nonpublic school's governing authority. Nevertheless, the general
assembly encourages such students to consider enrolling in a fine
arts course as an elective.

Beginning
with students who enter ninth grade for the first time on or after
July 1, 2010, each student enrolled in a public or chartered
nonpublic high school shall complete two semesters or the equivalent
of fine arts to graduate from high school. The coursework may be
completed in any of grades seven to twelve. Each student who
completes a fine arts course in grade seven or eight may elect to
count that course toward the five units of electives required for
graduation under division (C)(8) of this section, if the course
satisfied the requirements of division (G) of this section. In that
case, the high school shall award the student high school credit for
the course and count the course toward the five units required under
division (C)(8) of this section. If the course in grade seven or
eight did not satisfy the requirements of division (G) of this
section, the high school shall not award the student high school
credit for the course but shall count the course toward the two
semesters or the equivalent of fine arts required by this division.

(L)
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this section, the board
of education of each school district and the governing authority of
each chartered nonpublic school may adopt a policy to excuse from the
high school physical education requirement each student who, during
high school, has participated in interscholastic athletics, marching
band, show choir, or cheerleading for at least two full seasons or in
the junior reserve officer training corps for at least two full
school years. If the board or authority adopts such a policy, the
board or authority shall not require the student to complete any
physical education course as a condition to graduate. However, the
student shall be required to complete one-half unit, consisting of at
least sixty hours of instruction, in another course of study. In the
case of a student who has participated in the junior reserve officer
training corps for at least two full school years, credit received
for that participation may be used to satisfy the requirement to
complete one-half unit in another course of study.

(M)
It is important that high school students learn and understand United
States history and the governments of both the United States and the
state of Ohio. Therefore, beginning with students who enter ninth
grade for the first time on or after July 1, 2012, the study of
American history and American government required by divisions (B)(6)
and (C)(6) of this section shall include the study of all of the
following documents:

(1)
The Declaration of Independence;

(2)
The Northwest Ordinance;

(3)
The Constitution of the United States with emphasis on the Bill of
Rights;

(4)
The Ohio Constitution.

The
study of each of the documents prescribed in divisions (M)(1) to (4)
of this section shall include study of that document in its original
context.

The
study of American history and government required by divisions (B)(6)
and (C)(6) of this section shall include the historical evidence of
the role of documents such as the Federalist Papers and the
Anti-Federalist Papers to firmly establish the historical background
leading to the establishment of the provisions of the Constitution
and Bill of Rights.

(N)
A student may apply one unit of instruction in computer science to
satisfy one unit of mathematics or one unit of science under division
(C) of this section as the student chooses, regardless of the field
of certification of the teacher who teaches the course, so long as
that teacher meets the licensure requirements prescribed by section
3319.236 of the Revised Code and, prior to teaching the course,
completes a professional development program determined to be
appropriate by the district board.

If
a student applies more than one computer science course to satisfy
curriculum requirements under that division, the courses shall be
sequential and progressively more difficult or cover different
subject areas within computer science.

(O)
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this section, the board
of education of each school district and the governing authority of
each chartered nonpublic school may adopt a policy to excuse from the
financial literacy instruction requirement under division (C)(9) of
this section each student who, during high school, participates in a
financial literacy program offered through a student branch, as
defined in section 1733.04 of the Revised Code, or by a bank, as
defined in section 1101.01 of the Revised Code. The policy shall
require the financial literacy program to meet or exceed the academic
content standards and model curriculum for financial literacy and
entrepreneurship instruction adopted under section 3301.079 of the
Revised Code. The policy shall require a student to participate in
the program for the equivalent of at least one-half unit of
instruction to qualify for an exemption under this division.

Not
later than July 1, 2026, the department shall develop and post on its
web site a model policy and guidelines for districts and schools to
use in developing a policy under this division.

Sec.
3313.6034.
(A)
As used in this section:

(1)
"Computer science" has the same meaning as in section
3301.012 of the Revised Code. "Computer science" does not
include computer literacy, keyboarding, or word processing courses.

(2)
"Online high school" has the same meaning as in section
3302.0310 of the Revised Code.

(3)
"School governing authority" means any of the following:

(a)
The governing authority of a community school established under
Chapter 3314. of the Revised Code;

(b)
The governing body of a STEM school established under Chapter 3326.
of the Revised Code;

(c)
The board of trustees of a college-preparatory boarding school
established under Chapter 3328. of the Revised Code.

(B)
Beginning with the 2028-2029 school year, and each school year
thereafter, each district board and school governing authority shall
offer at least one-half unit of computer science in each school
building that enrolls students in any of grades nine through twelve
in accordance with this section.

(C)
The course shall be listed as an option in the school's course
catalog. Districts and schools offering computer science courses for
the first time under this section shall proactively notify parents of
the new course offering. A district or school shall offer a course in
an in-person traditional classroom setting, unless the school is an
online high school. If a district or school makes every effort to
offer the course in person, but is unable to obtain the teacher
capacity or resources to do so effectively, the district or school
shall submit an alternate plan for approval by the department of
education and workforce to offer a virtual or distance course option
through the action plan prescribed by division (D) of this section.

(D)
Any district or school that is not an online high school and that
does not offer an in-person computer science course by the 2028-2029
school year shall submit an action plan to the department explaining
why it was not possible to offer an in-person course and detailing
how the district or school plans to meet the requirements prescribed
by this section. The action plan may include offering a virtual
course either through the district or school, or through a regional
partnership such as through an educational service center. If a
district or school submits a plan to offer only a virtual course, the
plan shall describe why it was not feasible to offer the course in
person and include a timeline in which the district or school will
begin offering the course in person. The plan shall address how the
school will adjust planning or resources to successfully comply with
the requirement under division (B) of this section.

Each
district or school required to submit a plan under this section shall
submit the plan to the department not later than June 30, 2028, and
the thirtieth day of June of each year thereafter that the plan is
necessary. The department shall review the plan in a manner
prescribed by the department, and approve the plan or request
additional changes.

(E)
A computer science course offered by a school district or school
shall satisfy both of the following:

(1)
Be of high quality, as that term is defined by the department of
education and workforce;

(2)
Meet or exceed the standards and curriculum requirements established
by the department in section 3301.079 of the Revised Code.

(F)
Beginning July 1, 2028, and each school year thereafter, the
department shall publish an annual report on computer science
education in the state for the prior academic year, containing, at a
minimum, the data compiled under division (G) of this section,
disaggregated by school and aggregated at the state level, and
reporting the number of online and in person computer science course
offerings and any identified correlation between course format and
student participation in courses.

(G)
The department's report shall include the following:

(1)
The names and course codes of computer science courses offered in
each school, including course descriptions, whether the course is a
half-unit or one unit course, and whether the course is offered in
person or virtually;

(2)
The number and percentage of students who enrolled in each computer
science course, disaggregated by:

(a)
Gender;

(b)
Race and ethnicity;

(c)
Special education status, including students protected under the
"Individuals with Disabilities Education Act," 20 U.S.C.
1400 et seq., or section 504 of the "Rehabilitation Act of
1973," 29 U.S.C. 794;

(d)
English learner status;

(e)
Eligibility for free and reduced-price meals;

(f)
Grade level, except where a category contains fewer than ten students
or an amount that would allow the amount of another category that is
ten or fewer to be deduced, in which case the number shall be
replaced with a symbol.

(3)
The number of computer science course instructors at each school,
disaggregated by:

(a)
Certification, or license, if applicable;

(b)
Gender;

(c)
Race and ethnicity;

(d)
Highest academic degree completed, if available.

(4)
Whether each course is offered in an in-person traditional classroom
setting or by a virtual or distance course option.

The
department shall post on a publicly accessible dashboard not later
than the thirtieth day of June of each school year the data received
under division (G) of this section, disaggregated by school and
aggregated at the state level.

(H)
A student enrolled in a school district or school may participate in
the computer science promise program established under section
3322.20 of the Revised Code if that student wishes to take additional
computer science courses beyond those offered through the student's
resident district or school under this section.

(I)
Neither the department, a district, nor school shall require a
student to complete a prerequisite course in order to enroll in a
course prescribed by division (B) of this section.

Sec.
3313.6035.
(A)
As used in this section:

(1)
"Community college" means a community college established
under Chapter 3354. of the Revised Code, a technical college
established under Chapter 3357. of the Revised Code, or a state
community college established under Chapter 3358. of the Revised
Code.

(2)
"Public school" means a school district, a community school
established under Chapter 3314. of the Revised Code, a STEM school
established under Chapter 3326. of the Revised Code, or a
college-preparatory boarding school established under Chapter 3328.
of the Revised Code.

(B)
A public school may enter into a partnership with a community college
to establish a program under which the college offers computer
science instruction that provides the school's students with at least
one semester of in-person content. The Ohio code-scholar pilot
program established under section 3313.905 of the Revised Code shall
be considered a program established under this section.

(C)(1)
Instruction offered under a program established under this section
may satisfy the public school's requirement to offer a course under
division (B) of section 3313.6034 of the Revised Code, provided the
instruction is provided onsite at the public school, is available to
all students, and meets or exceeds state computer science standards
established under section 3301.079 of the Revised Code.

(2)
The program may be used by a student of the school to satisfy
one-half unit of instruction under division (C)(10)(a) of section
3313.603 of the Revised Code, provided the instruction meets or
exceeds state computer science standards established under section
3301.079 of the Revised Code.

For
the program to be used as one-half unit of instruction under division
(C)(10)(a) of section 3313.603 of the Revised Code, the public school
annually shall certify to the department of education and workforce
that the instruction meets the applicable requirements of this
division.

Sec.
3314.03.
A
copy of every contract entered into under this section shall be filed
with the director of education and workforce. The department of
education and workforce shall make available on its web site a copy
of every approved, executed contract filed with the director under
this section.

(A)
Each contract entered into between a sponsor and the governing
authority of a community school shall specify the following:

(1)
That the school shall be established as either of the following:

(a)
A nonprofit corporation established under Chapter 1702. of the
Revised Code, if established prior to April 8, 2003;

(b)
A public benefit corporation established under Chapter 1702. of the
Revised Code, if established after April 8, 2003.

(2)
The education program of the school, including the school's mission
and educational philosophy, the characteristics of the students the
school is expected to attract, the ages and grades of students, and
the focus of the curriculum;

(3)
The academic goals to be achieved and the method of measurement that
will be used to determine progress toward those goals, which shall
include the statewide achievement assessments;

(4)
Performance standards, including but not limited to all applicable
report card measures set forth in section 3302.03 or 3314.017 of the
Revised Code, by which the success of the school will be evaluated by
the sponsor;

(5)
The admission standards of section 3314.06 of the Revised Code and,
if applicable, section 3314.061 of the Revised Code;

(6)(a)
Dismissal procedures;

(b)
A requirement that the governing authority adopt an attendance policy
that includes a procedure for automatically withdrawing a student
from the school if the student without a legitimate excuse fails to
participate in seventy-two consecutive hours of the learning
opportunities offered to the student.

(7)
The ways by which the school will achieve racial and ethnic balance
reflective of the community it serves;

(8)
Requirements for financial audits by the auditor of state. The
contract shall require financial records of the school to be
maintained in the same manner as are financial records of school
districts, pursuant to rules of the auditor of state. Audits shall be
conducted in accordance with section 117.10 of the Revised Code.

(9)
An addendum to the contract outlining the facilities to be used that
contains at least the following information:

(a)
A detailed description of each facility used for instructional
purposes;

(b)
The annual costs associated with leasing each facility that are paid
by or on behalf of the school;

(c)
The annual mortgage principal and interest payments that are paid by
the school;

(d)
The name of the lender or landlord, identified as such, and the
lender's or landlord's relationship to the operator, if any.

(10)
Qualifications of employees, including both of the following:

(a)
A requirement that the school's classroom teachers be licensed in
accordance with sections 3319.22 to 3319.31 of the Revised Code,
except that a community school may engage noncertificated persons to
teach up to twelve hours or forty hours per week pursuant to section
3319.301 of the Revised Code;

(b)
A prohibition against the school employing an individual described in
section 3314.104 of the Revised Code in any position.

(11)
That the school will comply with the following requirements:

(a)
The school will provide learning opportunities to a minimum of
twenty-five students for a minimum of nine hundred twenty hours per
school year.

(b)
The governing authority will purchase liability insurance, or
otherwise provide for the potential liability of the school.

(c)
The school will be nonsectarian in its programs, admission policies,
employment practices, and all other operations, and will not be
operated by a sectarian school or religious institution.

(d)
The school will comply with sections 9.90, 9.91, 109.65, 121.22,
149.43, 2151.357, 2151.421, 2313.19, 3301.0710, 3301.0711, 3301.0712,
3301.0715, 3301.0729, 3301.24, 3301.948, 3302.037, 3313.472,
3313.473, 3313.474, 3313.50, 3313.539, 3313.5310, 3313.5318,
3313.5319, 3313.608, 3313.609, 3313.6012, 3313.6013, 3313.6014,
3313.6020, 3313.6024, 3313.6026, 3313.6028, 3313.6029, 3313.6031,

3313.6034,
3313.6035,
3313.643,
3313.648, 3313.6411, 3313.6413, 3313.66, 3313.661, 3313.662,
3313.666, 3313.667, 3313.668, 3313.669, 3313.6610, 3313.67, 3313.671,
3313.672, 3313.673, 3313.69, 3313.71, 3313.716, 3313.718, 3313.719,
3313.7112, 3313.7117, 3313.721, 3313.753, 3313.80, 3313.814,
3313.816, 3313.817, 3313.818, 3313.819, 3313.8110, 3313.86, 3313.89,
3313.96, 3319.073, 3319.077, 3319.078, 3319.0812, 3319.238, 3319.318,
3319.321, 3319.324, 3319.39, 3319.391, 3319.393, 3319.41, 3319.46,
3319.90, 3319.614, 3320.01, 3320.02, 3320.03, 3320.04, 3321.01,
3321.041, 3321.13, 3321.14, 3321.141, 3321.17, 3321.18, 3321.19,
3322.20, 3322.24, 3323.251, 3327.10, 4111.17, 4113.52, 5502.262,
5502.703, and 5705.391 and Chapters 117., 1347., 2744., 3365., 3742.,
4112., 4123., 4141., and 4167. of the Revised Code as if it were a
school district and will comply with section 3301.0714 of the Revised
Code in the manner specified in section 3314.17 of the Revised Code.

(e)
The school shall comply with Chapter 102. and section 2921.42 of the
Revised Code.

(f)
The school will comply with sections 3313.61, 3313.611, 3313.614,
3313.617, 3313.618, and 3313.6114 of the Revised Code, except that
for students who enter ninth grade for the first time before July 1,
2010, the requirement in sections 3313.61 and 3313.611 of the Revised
Code that a person must successfully complete the curriculum in any
high school prior to receiving a high school diploma may be met by
completing the curriculum adopted by the governing authority of the
community school rather than the curriculum specified in Title XXXIII
of the Revised Code or any rules of the department. Beginning with
students who enter ninth grade for the first time on or after July 1,
2010, the requirement in sections 3313.61 and 3313.611 of the Revised
Code that a person must successfully complete the curriculum of a
high school prior to receiving a high school diploma shall be met by
completing the requirements prescribed in section 3313.6027 and
division (C) of section 3313.603 of the Revised Code, unless the
person qualifies under division (D) or (F) of that section. Each
school shall comply with the plan for awarding high school credit
based on demonstration of subject area competency, and beginning with
the 2017-2018 school year, with the updated plan that permits
students enrolled in seventh and eighth grade to meet curriculum
requirements based on subject area competency adopted by the
department under divisions (J)(1) and (2) of section 3313.603 of the
Revised Code. Beginning with the 2018-2019 school year, the school
shall comply with the framework for granting units of high school
credit to students who demonstrate subject area competency through
work-based learning experiences, internships, or cooperative
education developed by the department under division (J)(3) of
section 3313.603 of the Revised Code.

(g)
The school governing authority will submit within four months after
the end of each school year a report of its activities and progress
in meeting the goals and standards of divisions (A)(3) and (4) of
this section and its financial status to the sponsor and the parents
of all students enrolled in the school.

(h)
The school, unless it is an internet- or computer-based community
school, will comply with section 3313.801 of the Revised Code as if
it were a school district.

(i)
If the school is the recipient of moneys from a grant awarded under
the federal race to the top program, Division (A), Title XIV,
Sections 14005 and 14006 of the "American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009," Pub. L. No. 111-5, 123 Stat. 115, the
school will pay teachers based upon performance in accordance with
section 3317.141 and will comply with section 3319.111 of the Revised
Code as if it were a school district.

(j)
If the school operates a preschool program that is licensed by the
department under sections 3301.52 to 3301.59 of the Revised Code, the
school shall comply with sections 3301.50 to 3301.59 of the Revised
Code and the minimum standards for preschool programs prescribed in
rules adopted by the department of children and youth under section
3301.53 of the Revised Code.

(k)
The school will comply with sections 3313.6021 and 3313.6023 of the
Revised Code as if it were a school district unless it is either of
the following:

(i)
An internet- or computer-based community school;

(ii)
A community school in which a majority of the enrolled students are
children with disabilities as described in division (B)(2) of section
3314.35 of the Revised Code.

(l)
The school will comply with section 3321.191 of the Revised Code,
unless it is an internet- or computer-based community school that is
subject to section 3314.261 of the Revised Code.

(m)
The school will comply with section 3313.7118 of the Revised Code if
it serves elementary school students.

(12)
Arrangements for providing health and other benefits to employees;

(13)
The length of the contract, which shall begin at the beginning of an
academic year. No contract shall exceed five years unless such
contract has been renewed pursuant to division (D) of this section.

(14)
The governing authority of the school, which shall be responsible for
carrying out the provisions of the contract;

(15)
A financial plan detailing an estimated school budget for each year
of the period of the contract and specifying the total estimated per
pupil expenditure amount for each such year.

(16)
Requirements and procedures regarding the disposition of employees of
the school in the event the contract is terminated or not renewed
pursuant to section 3314.07 of the Revised Code;

(17)
Whether the school is to be created by converting all or part of an
existing public school or educational service center building or is
to be a new start-up school, and if it is a converted public school
or service center building, both of the following:

(a)
Specification of any duties or responsibilities of an employer that
the board of education or service center governing board that
operated the school or building before conversion is delegating to
the governing authority of the community school with respect to all
or any specified group of employees provided the delegation is not
prohibited by a collective bargaining agreement applicable to such
employees;

(b)
Alternative arrangements for current public school students who
choose not to attend the converted school and for teachers who choose
not to teach in the school or building after conversion.

(18)
Provisions establishing procedures for resolving disputes or
differences of opinion between the sponsor and the governing
authority of the community school;

(19)
A provision requiring the governing authority to adopt a policy
regarding the admission of students who reside outside the district
in which the school is located. That policy shall comply with the
admissions procedures specified in sections 3314.06 and 3314.061 of
the Revised Code and, at the sole discretion of the authority, shall
do one of the following:

(a)
Prohibit the enrollment of students who reside outside the district
in which the school is located;

(b)
Permit the enrollment of students who reside in districts adjacent to
the district in which the school is located;

(c)
Permit the enrollment of students who reside in any other district in
the state.

(20)
A provision recognizing the authority of the department to take over
the sponsorship of the school in accordance with the provisions of
division (C) of section 3314.015 of the Revised Code;

(21)
A provision recognizing the sponsor's authority to assume the
operation of a school under the conditions specified in division (B)
of section 3314.073 of the Revised Code;

(22)
A provision recognizing both of the following:

(a)
The authority of public health and safety officials to inspect the
facilities of the school and to order the facilities closed if those
officials find that the facilities are not in compliance with health
and safety laws and regulations;

(b)
The authority of the department as the community school oversight
body to suspend the operation of the school under section 3314.072 of
the Revised Code if the department has evidence of conditions or
violations of law at the school that pose an imminent danger to the
health and safety of the school's students and employees and the
sponsor refuses to take such action.

(23)
A description of the learning opportunities that will be offered to
students including both classroom-based and non-classroom-based
learning opportunities that is in compliance with criteria for
student participation established by the department under division
(H)(2) of section 3314.08 of the Revised Code;

(24)
The school will comply with sections 3302.04 and 3302.041 of the
Revised Code, except that any action required to be taken by a school
district pursuant to those sections shall be taken by the sponsor of
the school.

(25)
Beginning in the 2006-2007 school year, the school will open for
operation not later than the thirtieth day of September each school
year, unless the mission of the school as specified under division
(A)(2) of this section is solely to serve dropouts. In its initial
year of operation, if the school fails to open by the thirtieth day
of September, or within one year after the adoption of the contract
pursuant to division (D) of section 3314.02 of the Revised Code if
the mission of the school is solely to serve dropouts, the contract
shall be void.

(26)
Whether the school's governing authority is planning to seek
designation for the school as a STEM school equivalent under section
3326.032 of the Revised Code;

(27)
That the school's attendance and participation policies will be
available for public inspection;

(28)
That the school's attendance and participation records shall be made
available to the department, auditor of state, and school's sponsor
to the extent permitted under and in accordance with the "Family
Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974," 88 Stat. 571, 20
U.S.C. 1232g, as amended, and any regulations promulgated under that
act, and section 3319.321 of the Revised Code;

(29)
If a school operates using the blended learning model, as defined in
section 3301.079 of the Revised Code, all of the following
information:

(a)
An indication of what blended learning model or models will be used;

(b)
A description of how student instructional needs will be determined
and documented;

(c)
The method to be used for determining competency, granting credit,
and promoting students to a higher grade level;

(d)
The school's attendance requirements, including how the school will
document participation in learning opportunities;

(e)
A statement describing how student progress will be monitored;

(f)
A statement describing how private student data will be protected;

(g)
A description of the professional development activities that will be
offered to teachers.

(30)
A provision requiring that all moneys the school's operator loans to
the school, including facilities loans or cash flow assistance, must
be accounted for, documented, and bear interest at a fair market
rate;

(31)
A provision requiring that, if the governing authority contracts with
an attorney, accountant, or entity specializing in audits, the
attorney, accountant, or entity shall be independent from the
operator with which the school has contracted.

(32)
A provision requiring the governing authority to adopt an enrollment
and attendance policy that requires a student's parent to notify the
community school in which the student is enrolled when there is a
change in the location of the parent's or student's primary
residence.

(33)
A provision requiring the governing authority to adopt a student
residence and address verification policy for students enrolling in
or attending the school.

(34)
A provision establishing the process by which the governing authority
of the school will be selected in the future.

(35)
A description of the management and administration of the school.

(36)
A provision requiring the governing authority to adopt policies and
procedures to establish internal financial controls for the school.

(B)
A contract entered into under section 3314.02 of the Revised Code
between a sponsor and the governing authority of a community school
may provide for the community school governing authority to make
payments to the sponsor, which is hereby authorized to receive such
payments as set forth in the contract between the governing authority
and the sponsor. The total amount of such payments for monitoring,
oversight, and technical assistance of the school shall not exceed
three per cent of the total amount of payments for operating expenses
that the school receives from the state.

(C)
The contract shall specify the duties of the sponsor which shall be
in accordance with the written agreement entered into with the
department under division (B) of section 3314.015 of the Revised Code
and shall include the following:

(1)
Monitor the community school's compliance with all laws applicable to
the school and with the terms of the contract;

(2)
Monitor and evaluate the academic and fiscal performance and the
organization and operation of the community school on at least an
annual basis;

(3)
Provide technical assistance to the community school in complying
with laws applicable to the school and terms of the contract;

(4)
Take steps to intervene in the school's operation to correct problems
in the school's overall performance, declare the school to be on
probationary status pursuant to section 3314.073 of the Revised Code,
suspend the operation of the school pursuant to section 3314.072 of
the Revised Code, or terminate the contract of the school pursuant to
section 3314.07 of the Revised Code as determined necessary by the
sponsor;

(5)
Have in place a plan of action to be undertaken in the event the
community school experiences financial difficulties or closes prior
to the end of a school year.

(D)
Upon the expiration of a contract entered into under this section,
the sponsor of a community school may, with the approval of the
governing authority of the school, renew that contract for a period
of time determined by the sponsor, but not ending earlier than the
end of any school year, if the sponsor finds that the school's
compliance with applicable laws and terms of the contract and the
school's progress in meeting the academic goals prescribed in the
contract have been satisfactory. Any contract that is renewed under
this division remains subject to the provisions of sections 3314.07,
3314.072, and 3314.073 of the Revised Code.

(E)
If a community school fails to open for operation within one year
after the contract entered into under this section is adopted
pursuant to division (D) of section 3314.02 of the Revised Code or
permanently closes prior to the expiration of the contract, the
contract shall be void and the school shall not enter into a contract
with any other sponsor. A school shall not be considered permanently
closed because the operations of the school have been suspended
pursuant to section 3314.072 of the Revised Code.

Sec.
3322.20.
(A)
The Ohio computer science promise program is hereby established.
Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, under the program, a
student in any of grades seven through twelve who is a resident of
this state may, at no cost to the student, enroll in and receive high
school credit for one computer science course per academic year that
is not offered by the student's public or nonpublic secondary school,
provided the student is accepted into an eligible course offered by
an approved provider and there are sufficient funds to support
enrollment.

(B)
All Ohio computer science promise program eligible courses and
providers shall be approved by the department of education and
workforce in consultation with the chancellor of higher education to
be eligible for funding.
Providers
shall submit to the department the number of content hours included
in each of their programs or courses and the topics addressed.
The
department annually shall publish a list of approved providers and
courses.

(C)(1)
Any student enrolled in a public secondary school may participate in
the program if the student meets the applicable eligibility criteria.

(2)
Any student enrolled in a nonpublic secondary school may participate
in the program in a manner prescribed by the chancellor of higher
education if the nonpublic school chooses to participate in the
program.

(D)
Governing entities shall grant high school credit for courses
approved to receive funding through the Ohio computer science promise
program.

(E)
All public secondary schools shall participate in the program and are
subject to the requirements of this chapter. Any nonpublic secondary
school that chooses to participate in the program shall also be
subject to the requirements of this chapter.

(F)
The chancellor of higher education, in accordance with Chapter 119.
of the Revised Code and in consultation with the director of
education and workforce, shall adopt rules governing the program.

Sec.
3326.15.
Each
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school and its
governing body shall comply with sections 3313.603

and
,

3313.6027
,

3313.6034,
and 3313.6035
of
the Revised Code as if it were a school district. However, a STEM
school may permit a student to earn units of high school credit based
on a demonstration of subject area competency instead of or in
combination with completing hours of classroom instruction prior to
the adoption by the department of education and workforce of the plan
for granting high school credit based on competency, as required by
division (J) of that section. Upon adoption of the plan, each STEM
school shall comply with that plan and award units of high school
credit in accordance with the plan.

Sec.
3328.22.
The
educational program of a college-preparatory boarding school
established under this chapter shall include at least all of the
following:

(A)
A remedial curriculum for students in grades lower than grade nine;

(B)
A college-preparatory curriculum for high school students that, at a
minimum, shall comply with sections 3313.603

and
,

3313.6027
,

3313.6034,
and 3313.6035
of
the Revised Code as that section applies to school districts;

(C)
Extracurricular activities, including athletic and cultural
activities;

(D)
College admission counseling;

(E)
Health and mental health services;

(F)
Tutoring services;

(G)
Community services opportunities;

(H)
A residential student life program.

Section
2.
That
existing sections 3313.603, 3314.03
,
3322.20
,
3326.15, and 3328.22 of the Revised Code are hereby repealed.

Section
3.
Section
3314.03 of the Revised Code is presented in this act as a composite
of the section as amended by both H.B. 10 and H.B. 96 of the 136th
General Assembly. The General Assembly, applying the principle stated
in division (B) of section 1.52 of the Revised Code that amendments
are to be harmonized if reasonably capable of simultaneous operation,
finds that the composite is the resulting version of the section in
effect prior to the effective date of the section as presented in
this act.