An Act To Recognize Computer Science in the Path to Proficiency
Maine Legislature, Session 128, LD 0398
Committee Amendment CA_A_H454 (House)

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT ,ft" to H.P. 289, L.D. 398, Bill, "An Act To 
Recognize Computer Science in the Path to Proficiency" 
Amend the bill by striking out the title and substituting the following: 
'Resolve, To Establish the Task Force To Recognize Computer Science in the Path 
to Proficiency' 
Amend the bill by striking out everything after the enacting clause and inserting the 
following: 
'Sec. 1. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Council to 
form task force to recognize computer science in the path to proficiency. 
Resolved: 
That the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Council, 
referred to in this resolve as "the council," shall establish and convene a computer science 
education task force, referred to in this resolve as "the task force," to develop an informed 
strategy to integrate computer science into the State's proficiency-based high school 
diploma requirements, as well as to expose all students to computer science as a basic 
skill and as a potential career path. The council shall invite members to the task force and 
appoint the task force chair, who must be a person whose professional responsibilities 
include the advancement of computer science professional development and education in 
the State and who is aligned with the State's business community in carrying out those 
responsibilities; and be it further 
Sec. 2. Duties. Resolved: That the duties of the task force must include, but are 
not limited to, the following. 
l. The task force shall recommend a framework for an effective kindergarten to grade 
computer science education system in the State and outline a strategy to ensure 
students have access to this education system. The task force shall: 
A. Identify the key elements of computer science education that provide mathematics 
or science competencies needed to attain a proficiency-based diploma; 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
R. of S. 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT '4" to H.P. 289, L.D. 398 
B. 
Identify models of age-appropriate computer science curricula that provide 
students in kindergarten to grade 12 basic knowledge of and familiarity with 
computer science concepts and applications and opportunities to explore how 
computer science may serve their educational needs and career aspirations; and 
C. Develop a sustainable professional development strategy to deliver kindergarten 
to grade 12 computer science education and to ensure that all students have access to 
computer science education. 
2. 
In determining the strategy described in subsection 1, the task force shall 
investigate best practices for and barriers to implementation of the strategy. The task 
force shall: 
A. Identify and inventory computer science education activities cun-ently underway 
in the State and in other states, including: 
(1) Classroom initiatives integrating computer science education into existing 
cun-icular opp01tunities; 
(2) Full access to courses that provide an opportunity for credit from an 
institution of higher learning; and 
(3) Models of education that effectively use offsite resources and online learning 
opportunities to augment the resources available on site; and 
B. Identify and inventory computer science professional development activities 
cun-ently underway in the State and highlight best practices for and barriers 
encountered in delivering computer science professional development to teachers 
across the State; and be it further 
Sec. 3. Coordination with Department of Education. Resolved: That the 
task force shall coordinate with the Department of Education to provide information on 
identified areas of computer science education in the State and to enable the department 
to unde1take rulemaking related to improving access to computer science education in the 
State. The work of the task force must inform and complement the work of the 
department, and nothing in the duties of the task force may be construed to mean that the 
department may not undertake initiatives or rulemaking related to computer science 
education separate from the work of the task force; and be it futther 
Sec. 4. Report; recommendations. Resolved: That the task force shall report 
its findings of best practices for computer science education and a recommended strategy 
· to develop and implement a high-quality computer science education curriculum for all 
students to the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs by January 
15, 2018. The task force is authorized to make recommendations, including proposed 
legislation and rules, in its report. The joint standing committee may report out a bill 
based upon the report to the Second Regular Session of the 128th Legislature; and be it 
fu1ther 
Sec. 5. Resources. Resolved: That the council may provide funding and in-kind 
donations received from public or private sources to fund the costs of the task force and 
enable the task force to accomplish its duties. Any unused funds at the termination of the 
task force may be retained by the council.' 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
A. of S. 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT ·A" to H.P. 289, L.D. 398 
SUMMARY 
This amendment is the majority report of the committee. The amendment strikes and 
replaces the bill, which is a concept draft, with a resolve directing the Science, 
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Council to form a computer science education 
task force to consider ways to develop an informed strategy to integrate computer science 
into the State's proficiency~based high school diploma requirements, as well as to expose 
all students to computer science as a basic skill and as a potential career path. 
FISCAL NOTE REQUIRED 
(See attached) 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
Fiscal Detail and Notes 
Approved: 05/28/17 .Nae 
LD398 
LR 1196(02) 
An Act To Recognize Computer Science in the Path to Proficiency 
) 
Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment A• CH ..., lf 5 Lf 
Committee: Education and Cultural Affairs 
Fiscal Note Required: Yes 
Fiscal Note 
Minor cost increase - General Fund 
Additional costs to the Department of Education and the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Council 
to implement the requirements of this legislation can be absorbed within existing budgeted resources. 
LRl 196(02) - Fiscal Note - Page 1 of 1