Computer Science Career Education Act of 2015

To establish a grant program to promote the development of career education programs in computer science in secondary and postsecondary education. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Computer Science Career Education Act of 2015 2. Definitions In this Act: (1) Eligible partnership The term eligible partnership (2) Institution of higher education The term institution of higher education (A) an institution of higher education as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1001 (B) a postsecondary vocational institution as defined in section 102(c) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1002(c) (3) Local educational agency The term local educational agency 20 U.S.C. 7801 (4) Secretary The term Secretary (5) State educational agency The term State educational agency 20 U.S.C. 7801 3. Establishment of grant program (a) In general From the amounts appropriated to carry out this section, the Secretary shall award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible partnerships to enable such partnerships to develop and operate a 4- or 6-year computer science career education program. (b) Application (1) In general Each eligible partnership that desires to receive a grant under this Act shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (2) Contents Each application submitted under paragraph (1) shall— (A) describe the eligible partners and partnership, the roles and responsibilities of each partner, and a demonstration of each partner’s ability to support the proposed program; (B) describe how the eligible partnership will implement a computer science career education program, as described in subsection (c); (C) ensure funding under the grant program is spent in a coordinated manner with other local resources; (D) describe the State or local workforce shortages, as determined by the relevant State agency in charge of workforce data, in the computer science sector; (E) make information, including career guidance and advisement resources, available about the program; (F) ensure non-duplication of the partnership’s development of computer science career education programs; (G) ensure equitable access to the program; and (H) demonstrate alignment of the partnership’s computer science career education program to the State, regional, or local computer science sector. (c) Content of computer science career education program An eligible partnership that receives a grant under this Act shall use the grant funds to develop and operate a 4- or 6-year computer science career education program that— (1) includes the development of a computer science program for both secondary education and postsecondary education that— (A) is aligned with rigorous computer science standards for kindergarten through grade 12 computer science education; (B) links secondary schools and institutions of higher education through non-duplicative sequences of courses in computer science career fields, including the investigation of opportunities for secondary students to earn postsecondary credit while enrolled in secondary, such as through credit transfer agreements including dual enrollment; (C) uses, if appropriate and available, experiential or work-based learning in collaboration with local or regional employers; (D) uses educational technology and distance learning, as appropriate, to involve all of the partners in the eligible partnership more fully in the development and operation of the program; (E) aligns with the skill needs of industries in the State or region; and (F) creates innovative opportunities for students that lead to student attainment of industry-recognized credentials; (2) includes professional development for teachers that— (A) is designed to prepare teachers to teach the fundamental concepts of computer science using effective teaching methods for all students; (B) provides for joint training for teachers in the eligible partnership, including between secondary and postsecondary teachers and core academic teachers and career and technical education teachers at both the secondary level and postsecondary level; (C) is designed to ensure that teachers and administrators are aware of current career pathways and the needs and expectations of business and industry; (D) focuses on training postsecondary and secondary education faculty in the use of contextual and applied curricula and instruction; and (E) if needed, ensures secondary school teachers are qualified to teach postsecondary courses in the secondary school according to articulation agreements; (3) includes career and academic counseling for the students that— (A) provides information to students regarding available computer science career education programs; (B) supports student progress in completing computer science career education programs; (C) provides labor market information on local, State, regional, and national computer science employment opportunities, such as occupation demand, education requirements, and expected compensation; and (D) tracks student placement in appropriate employment, or transfer to an institution of higher education; and (4) provides equal access to the full range of career education programs, to individuals who are members of underrepresented groups and special populations, including the development of program services appropriate to the needs of special populations. (d) Additional authorized activities An eligible partnership that receives a grant under this Act may use the grant funds to— (1) provide for the acquisition of computer equipment, software, and software licenses to directly develop and support a computer science program; (2) acquire technical assistance from State or local entities that have designed, established, and operated career education programs that have effectively used educational technology and distance learning in the delivery of curricula and services and in the articulation process; and (3) establish articulation agreements with institutions of higher education, and cooperative agreements with labor organizations, or business located inside or outside the State and served by the eligible partnership, especially with regard to using distance learning and educational technology to provide for the delivery of services and programs.

Summary: Computer Science Career Education Act of 2015 This bill directs the Department of Education to award competitive grants to consortia composed of at least one local educational agency, at least one institution of higher education (IHE), and community representatives for the development and operation of four- or six-year computer science career education programs. Each such career education program must include the development of a computer science program for both secondary and postsecondary education that: is aligned with rigorous computer science standards for kindergarten through grade 12 computer science education; links secondary schools and IHEs through non-duplicative sequences of courses in computer science career fields; uses, if appropriate and available, experiential or work-based learning in collaboration with local or regional employers; uses educational technology and distance learning to involve all members of the consortium more fully in the development and operation of the programs; aligns with industry needs in the state or region; and creates innovative opportunities for students that lead to attainment of industry-recognized credentials. A program must also provide: (1) professional development for teachers, (2) career and academic counseling for students, and (3) equal access to the full range of career education programs to members of underrepresented groups and special populations.