An Act To Establish Computer Science Courses and Content in Kindergarten to Grade 12 Schools
Maine Legislature, Session 129, LD 1382
Committee: Education and Cultural Affairs
Sponsors: PIERCE, POULIOT, FARNSWORTH, HUBBELL, JORGENSEN, LYFORD, STEARNS, STEWART

Legislative Document
No. 1382
H.P. 1003
House of Representatives, March 26, 2019
An Act To Establish Computer Science Courses and Content in 
Kindergarten to Grade 12 Schools
Reference to the Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs suggested and ordered 
printed.
ROBERT B. HUNT
Clerk
Presented by Representative PIERCE of Falmouth.
Cosponsored by Senator POULIOT of Kennebec and
Representatives: FARNSWORTH of Portland, HUBBELL of Bar Harbor, JORGENSEN of 
Portland, LYFORD of Eddington, STEARNS of Guilford, STEWART of Presque Isle.
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1.  20-A MRSA c. 335 is enacted to read:
CHAPTER 335
COMPUTER SCIENCE EDUCATION
§9931.  Definitions
As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms 
have the following meanings.
1.  Computer devices and instructional materials.  "Computer devices and 
instructional materials" means electronic, digital and analog devices or materials used in 
computer science courses and content. 
2.  Computer science.  "Computer science" means the study of computers and 
algorithmic processes, including their principles, their hardware and software designs, 
their implementation and their effect on society. This study must focus on how to engage 
in computational thinking, create new technologies and use technology.
3.  Computer science courses and content.  "Computer science courses and 
content" means kindergarten to grade 12 courses that teach computer science as 
stand-alone courses or, for elementary school, junior high school or middle school, 
embedded in other subjects.
4.  Computer science professional development.  "Computer science professional 
development" means high-quality professional education that:
A.  Clarifies the conceptual foundations of computer science;
B.  Teaches research-based practices, including hands-on and inquiry-based learning; 
and
C.  Is intended for elementary and secondary school teachers with or without prior 
exposure to computer science.
§9932.  Computer science professional development grant program
The commissioner shall establish a competitive grant program to provide support to 
eligible entities pursuant to this section.
1.  Eligible entities.  For purposes of this section, eligible entities include:
A.  A regional school unit, school administrative district or school administrative unit 
with at least one teacher engaged in computer science courses and content; and
B.  Computer science professional development education providers, including 
institutions of higher education in the State, nonprofit organizations and private 
entities working in partnership with regional school units, school administrative 
districts or school administrative units.
2.  Eligible uses.  An eligible entity may use funds received pursuant to this section 
for computer science professional development, including costs of transportation, 
mentoring and coaching.
3.  Applications and guidelines.  The department shall establish grant guidelines and 
develop grant application forms and institute any policies and procedures necessary to 
carry out the provisions of this section. These procedures must include at a minimum:
A.  A competitive application process;
B.  A process to review applications from eligible entities;
C.  A process to determine the amount of the grant award;
D.  Priority criteria for grant awards; and
E.  Annual reporting requirements for eligible entities who receive a grant under this 
section.
§9933.  Statewide computer science education plan
Prior to the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year, the department shall develop a 
statewide plan for computer science education to communicate and implement the 
department's vision of and goals for kindergarten to grade 12 computer science education.  
The department shall update the plan on a regular basis.
§9934.  Development of computer science standards
Prior to the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year, the department shall develop 
rigorous kindergarten to grade 12 computer science education standards and shall 
consider computer science courses and content standards that exist prior to the 2020-2021 
school year.  The department shall update the standards on a regular basis.
§9935.  Computer devices and instructional materials access grant program
The commissioner shall establish a competitive grant program for eligible entities to 
receive funds for the purchase of computer devices and instructional materials.
1.  Eligible entities.  For purposes of this section, eligible entities include:
A.  A regional school unit, school administrative district or school administrative unit 
with at least one teacher engaged in computer science courses and content; and
B.  Computer science professional development education providers, including 
institutions of higher education in the State, nonprofit organizations and private 
entities working in partnership with regional school units, school administrative 
districts or school administrative units.
2.  Eligible use.  An eligible entity may use funds received pursuant to this section to 
purchase computer devices and instructional materials necessary to implement computer 
science instruction. 
3.  Applications and guidelines.  The department shall establish grant guidelines and 
develop grant application forms and institute any policies and procedures necessary to 
carry out the provisions of this section. These procedures must include at a minimum:
A.  A competitive application process;
B.  A process to review applications from eligible entities;
C.  A process to determine the amount of the grant award;
D.  Priority criteria for grant awards; and
E.  Annual reporting requirements for eligible entities who receive a grant under this 
section.
§9936.  Computer science teacher certification program
The commissioner shall work with the University of Maine System to develop and 
implement, on at least 4 campuses of the system, a computer science teacher certification 
program for students majoring in education. The program must be designed to enable a 
certified student to begin teaching computer science courses and content in kindergarten 
to grade 12 schools immediately upon graduation.
§9937.  Rules
The commissioner may adopt rules necessary to implement the provisions of this 
chapter.  Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine technical rules pursuant to 
Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.
Sec. 2.  Appropriations and allocations.  The following appropriations and 
allocations are made.
EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF 
Learning Systems Team Z081
Initiative: Provides ongoing funds for a grant program for eligible entities to provide 
computer science professional development training for teachers in kindergarten to grade 
12.
Learning Systems Team Z081
Initiative: Provides one-time funds for the creation of a statewide plan for computer 
science and the development and implementation of learning standards in computer 
science for kindergarten to grade 12.
GENERAL FUND
2019-20
2020-21
All Other
$1,095,000
$1,095,000
GENERAL FUND TOTAL
$1,095,000
$1,095,000
Learning Systems Team Z081
Initiative: Provides ongoing funds for a grant program for eligible entities to provide 
devices and instructional materials for computer science education.
Learning Systems Team Z081
Initiative: Provides ongoing funds for one Regional Education Representative position 
and associated All Other costs to serve as the kindergarten to grade 12 computer science 
liaison position to support the creation and implementation of a statewide plan for 
computer science education and to develop and implement computer science standards.
UNIVERSITY OF MAINE SYSTEM, BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE 
Educational and General Activities - UMS 0031
Initiative: Provides ongoing funds for a certification program for University of Maine 
System students majoring in education to become certified to teach computer science 
courses and content in kindergarten to grade 12 upon graduation.
GENERAL FUND
2019-20
2020-21
All Other
$120,000
$0
GENERAL FUND TOTAL
$120,000
$0
GENERAL FUND
2019-20
2020-21
All Other
$909,066
$855,000
GENERAL FUND TOTAL
$909,066
$855,000
GENERAL FUND
2019-20
2020-21
POSITIONS - LEGISLATIVE COUNT
1.000
1.000
Personal Services
$73,803
$103,009
All Other
$6,383
$6,383
GENERAL FUND TOTAL
$80,186
$109,392
EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF 
DEPARTMENT TOTALS
2019-20
2020-21
GENERAL FUND
$2,204,252
$2,059,392
DEPARTMENT TOTAL - ALL FUNDS
$2,204,252
$2,059,392
SUMMARY
This bill provides the necessary resources and support for kindergarten to grade 12 
schools to adopt computer science into their courses and curriculums. The bill establishes 
a grant program for computer science professional development, including costs of 
transportation, mentoring and coaching.  The bill also requires the Department of 
Education to develop a statewide plan as well as computer science standards for 
kindergarten to grade 12 schools. The bill creates a full-time Regional Education 
Representative position in the Department of Education to support the creation and 
implementation of the plan and the standards. The bill establishes a grant program for 
computer devices and instructional materials to provide the tools necessary for schools to 
implement computer science courses and content. The bill also establishes a computer 
science teacher certification program for students who are majoring in education in the 
University of Maine System.  Finally, the bill authorizes the Department of Education to 
adopt rules as necessary to implement the provisions of the bill. 
GENERAL FUND
2019-20
2020-21
All Other
$152,000
$120,000
GENERAL FUND TOTAL
$152,000
$120,000
UNIVERSITY OF MAINE SYSTEM, BOARD OF 
TRUSTEES OF THE 
DEPARTMENT TOTALS
2019-20
2020-21
GENERAL FUND
$152,000
$120,000
DEPARTMENT TOTAL - ALL FUNDS
$152,000
$120,000
SECTION TOTALS
2019-20
2020-21
GENERAL FUND
$2,356,252
$2,179,392
SECTION TOTAL - ALL FUNDS
$2,356,252
$2,179,392