BILL NUMBER: SB 1444	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Senator Hancock

                        FEBRUARY 19, 2010

   An act to add Section 51207 to the Education Code, relating to
pupil instruction.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SB 1444, as introduced, Hancock. Pupil instruction: science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics education.
   Existing law requires the adopted course of study for grades 1 to
6, inclusive, and for grades 7 to 12, inclusive, to offer courses in
specified areas of study, including mathematics and science.
   This bill would define science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics (STEM) education as courses or a sequence of courses that
prepare pupils for occupations and careers that require technically
sophisticated skills, including the application of mathematical and
scientific skills and concepts, as specified.
   Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: no.
State-mandated local program: no.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  SECTION 1.  Section 51207 is added to the Education Code, to read:
   51207.  (a) Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
(STEM) education means courses or a sequence of courses that prepare
pupils for occupations and careers that require technically
sophisticated skills, including the application of mathematical and
scientific skills and concepts.
   (b) In grades 1 to 6, inclusive, STEM education includes
foundational courses in mathematics, science, and technology that
lead to success in challenging and applied courses in grades 7 to 12,
inclusive. It is in grades 1 to 6, inclusive, that awareness of STEM
careers and occupations begins.
   (c) In grades 7 to 12, inclusive, STEM education includes rigorous
and challenging courses that include the application of science,
mathematics, and technology. In grades 7 and 8, awareness of STEM
careers and occupations continues, and career exploration begins. In
high school, STEM education includes courses and pathways for pupils
to explore and prepare for careers and occupations in STEM fields.