Current through the 2024 Third Special Session
Section 53B-34-106 - Computer Science for Utah Grant Program(1) As used in this section, "grant program" means the Computer Science for Utah Grant Program created in Subsection (2).(2) The Computer Science for Utah Grant Program is created to provide grants to eligible local education agencies for improving computer science learning outcomes and course offerings as demonstrated by: (a) the creation and implementation of a local education agency computer science plan as described in Subsection (6); and(b) the effective implementation of approved courses and the provision of effective training opportunities for licensed teachers.(3) Subject to appropriations from the Legislature, the state board, in consultation with the talent board, shall distribute to local education agencies money appropriated for the grant program in accordance with this section.(4) In administering the Computer Science for Utah Grant Program, the state board, in consultation with the talent board, may make rules, in accordance with this part and Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, that: (a) describe the form and deadlines for a grant application by a local education agency under this section; and(b) describe the reporting requirements required by a local education agency after receiving a grant under this section.(5) In awarding a grant under Subsection (3), the state board shall consider the effectiveness of the local education agency in creating and implementing a local education agency computer science plan as described in Subsection (6).(6) Each local education agency that seeks a grant as described in this section shall submit a written computer science plan, in a form approved by the state board, that: (a) covers at least four years;(b) addresses the recommendations of the talent board's computer science education master plan described in Section 53B-34-105;(c) identifies targets for improved computer science offerings, student learning, and licensed teacher training;(d) describes a computer science professional development program and other opportunities for high quality professional learning for licensed teachers or individuals training to become licensed teachers;(e) provides a detailed budget, communications, and reporting structure for implementing the computer science plan;(f) commits to provide one computer science course offering, approved by the talent board, in every middle and high school within the local education agency;(g) commits to integrate computer science education into the curriculum of each elementary school within the local education agency; and(h) includes any other requirement established by the state board by rule, in consultation with the talent board, in accordance with this part and Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act.(7) Each local education agency that receives a grant as described in this section shall provide an annual written assessment to the state board and the talent board for each year that the local education agency receives a grant or expends grant money that includes: (a) how the grant money was used;(b) any improvements in the number and quality of computer science offerings provided by the local education agency and any increase in the number of licensed teachers providing computer science teaching to students;(c) any difficulties encountered during implementation of the local education agency's written computer science plan and steps that will be taken to address the difficulties; and(d) any other requirement established by the state board by rule, in consultation with the talent board, in accordance with this part and Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act.(8)(a) The state board and the talent board shall review each annual written assessment described in Subsection (7).(b) As a result of the review described in Subsection (8)(a): (i) the state board or the talent board may provide recommendations to improve the progress of the local education agency in meeting the objectives of the written computer science plan;(ii) the state board may determine not to renew or extend a grant under this section; or(iii) the state board or the talent board may take other action to assist the local education agency.Renumbered from § 63N-1b-305 by Chapter 362, 2022 General Session ,§ 34, eff. 7/1/2022.Renumbered from § 63N-12-506 and amended by Chapter 282, 2021 General Session ,§ 87, eff. 7/1/2021.Added by Chapter 443, 2019 General Session ,§ 3, eff. 5/14/2019.