BILL ANALYSIS �
AB 1530
Page 1
ASSEMBLY THIRD READING
AB 1530 (Chau)
As Amended April 28, 2014
Majority vote
EDUCATION 7-0 APPROPRIATIONS 17-0
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|Ayes:|Buchanan, Olsen, Ch�vez, |Ayes:|Gatto, Bigelow, |
| |Gonzalez, Nazarian, | |Bocanegra, Bradford, Ian |
| |Weber, Williams | |Calderon, Campos, |
| | | |Donnelly, Eggman, Gomez, |
| | | |Holden, Jones, Linder, |
| | | |Pan, Quirk, |
| | | |Ridley-Thomas, Wagner, |
| | | |Weber |
|-----+--------------------------+-----+--------------------------|
| | | | |
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SUMMARY : Encourages the Superintendent of Public Instruction
(SPI) to identify, develop or, as needed, revise new or existing
model curricula on computer science, and to submit, on or before
July 1, 2017, the model curricula to the State Board of
Education (SBE) for adoption. Specifically, this bill :
1) Makes findings and declarations related to computer science
in the K-12 education system and declares the goal of the
computer science curriculum in Kindergarten and grades 1-6,
inclusive, should be to introduce the fundamental concepts of
computer science, including instruction on computational
thinking, algorithmic processes and principles, hardware and
software design, computer applications, the impact of
computers on society, and to increase the knowledge of
computer science for all pupils, especially those pupils who
are members of underrepresented groups.
2) Encourages the SPI to identify, develop or, as needed,
revise new or existing model curricula on computer science,
and to submit, on or before July 1, 2017, the model curricula
to the SBE for adoption.
AB 1530
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3) Requires the SPI, upon adoption by the SBE, to make the
model curricula available on the California Department of
Education's (CDE) Internet Web site.
4) Permits the SPI to seek out, apply for, and accept non-state
funding sources to defray the cost of identifying, developing
or revising the a model curricula, including, but not limited
to, federal funds, grant programs, and private funds.
EXISTING LAW :
1) Makes a legislative finding that recognizes increasing the
integration of computers and computer technology into
California's economy has profound implications for
California's society and the state's educational policy.
2) Makes a legislative finding recognizing early exposure to
basic computer education and computer resources for all
students ensures academic and career success.
3) Makes a legislative finding that it is imperative California
adopt a policy to ensure equitable access to technological
education programs.
4) Declares a policy for the State of California that all
students in grades 1-12 shall have equitable access to
educational programs designed to strengthen technological
skills, including, but not limited to, computer education
programs.
5) Requires the SPI to develop model curriculum on the life and
work of Cesar Chavez.
6) Requires the CDE to develop model curriculum on gang
violence suppression, substance abuse prevention, and driver
education.
7) Requires the SBE to adopt model curriculum on the teaching
of genocide and permits the SBE to adopt model curriculum on
the contributions of Native Americans.
FISCAL EFFECT : According to the Assembly Appropriations
AB 1530
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Committee, General Fund administrative costs to CDE of
approximately $300,000 should the department choose to identify,
develop or revise new or existing model curricula on computer
science. Cost estimates include advisory committee meetings;
research, development, drafting, public comment, editing and
publication of the curriculum; and Instructional Quality
Commission meetings to discuss and publically act upon proposed
curriculum. The SBE would incur additional costs to review the
curriculum for adoption.
COMMENTS : According to the author, as California moves toward a
technology intensive world, it is essential for all students to
excel in and have a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of
computer science and its connection to innovation and the
development of technology. For the sake of our future work
force, innovation and equal opportunity, we as a state and as
leaders in our various spaces, must do more to bring computer
science into our schools. This is one step in the continuing
evolution of computer science in K-12 schools to teach our
children how to become the creators of technology and not just
the consumers of it.
Model Curriculum: On multiple occasions the Legislature has
asked the CDE, SPI, or SBE to develop model curriculum for use
in California's classrooms. Model curriculum is designed to
give classroom instructors ready access to comprehensive and
accurate information that can be used to build engaging lessons
for any classroom. For example, in 2000, the CDE published a
standards-based model curriculum on the life and work of Cesar
Chavez. This curriculum is published on the CDE's Web site and
provides biographies, pictures, and other resources to help
teachers prepare lessons for Kindergarten and grades 1-12.
Analysis Prepared by : Chelsea Kelley and Jill Rice / ED. /
(916) 319-2087
FN: 0003775