Section 115C-81.90 - Computer science(a) Required Instruction. - The State Board of Education shall include instruction in computer science in the standard course of study for middle and high school students. Computer science shall mean the study of computers and algorithmic processes, including their (i) principles, (ii) hardware and software designs, (iii) implementation, and (iv) impact on society.(b) Introductory Course. - Each public school unit shall offer to middle school students an elective introductory computer science course that surveys the field of computer science. The State Board of Education, in consultation with the Department of Public Instruction, shall adopt a list of approved courses that fulfill this requirement and make it publicly available on the Department's website.(c) Graduation Requirement. - Each public school unit shall offer to high school students a computer science course which includes instruction in using existing technologies and creating new technologies. The public school unit may offer such a course to middle school students. The State Board of Education, in consultation with the Department of Public Instruction, shall adopt a list of approved courses that fulfill this requirement and make it publicly available on the Department's website. A passing grade in this course, whether taken in middle school or high school, satisfies the graduation requirement established in G.S. 115C-83.31(a)(3).(d) Instructional Setting. - Public school units shall ensure that computer science courses be conducted in an in-person setting when practicable. When an in-person setting is not practicable, computer science courses may be provided through enrollment in remote courses that meet the requirements of Part 11 of Article 16 of this Chapter.N.C. Gen. Stat. § 115C-81.90
Added by 2023 N.C. Sess. Laws 132,s. 2.5-d, eff. 9/29/2023.