§ 16-46B-1 — Definitions

For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(1) BOARD. The State Board of Education.
(2) COMPUTER SCIENCE. The study of computers and algorithmic processes, including their principles, their hardware and software designs, their implementation, and their impact on society. Content should focus on teaching students how to create new technologies, not simply how to use technology.
(3) COMPUTER SCIENCE COURSES AND CONTENT. Courses that teach computer science either as a standalone course implementation in middle and high schools, or, for elementary school, integrated into other content areas.
(4) DEPARTMENT. The State Department of Education.
(5) ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. Includes grades kindergarten to six, inclusive.
(6) HIGH QUALITY PROFESSIONAL LEARNING. Professional development activities that satisfy all of the following:
a. Clarify the conceptual foundations of computer science.
b. Teach research-based practices, including hands-on and inquiry-based learning.
c. Are intended for existing teachers, with or without previous exposure to computer science.
(7) HIGH QUALITY PROFESSIONAL LEARNING PROVIDERS. Institutions of higher education, nonprofits, or private entities that have successfully designed, implemented, and scaled high quality, evidence-based computer science professional learning for teachers and recommended by the superintendent and approved by the board.
(8) HIGH SCHOOL. Includes grades nine to 12, inclusive.
(9) MIDDLE SCHOOL. Includes grades seven and eight.
(10) PUBLIC SCHOOL. Includes public K-12 elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools.
(11) SUPERINTENDENT. The State Superintendent of Education.

Legislative History

(Act 2019-389, §1.)