Computer Science & Technology Act Guidance (Updated February 2024)
Guidance by Topic
| Academic Year 2025-2026 | Each school district shall include computer science and technology education aligned to the academic content standards in the instructional program of its elementary, middle, and high schools. |
| On or Before December 1, 2026 And, On or Before Dec. 1 of each year thereafter |
Each school district shall provide an annual computer science and technology education status report to its school board and the State Department of Education, including, but not limited to, student progress on the computer science and technology courses and other district-determined measures of computer science and technology education progress from the previous school year. |
| Academic Year 2027-2028 | Each school district shall require each student to complete at least five high school credit hours in computer science and technology education prior to graduation (through a single course or a combination of courses that cover the computer science and technology academic standards). |
- Nebraska Computer Science and Technology Content Standards
- Existing courses and associated standards can be found within the Communication and Information Systems (CIS) Programs of Study.
- For teachers to be considered appropriately endorsed for their assignments, they must teach the grade levels and subjects indicated on their certificate. All approvable endorsements by course can be found within the Nebraska Course Codes and Clearing Endorsements.
- A single course or multiple courses may be utilized to meet the Computer Science and Technology Education Act graduation requirement.
- Content must be aligned to the Computer Science and Technology Content Standards.
- If a district chooses to cover the required elements across multiple courses, all students must earn credit for each of those courses in order to meet the graduation requirement.
- Standards-related content taught during non-credit advisory or homeroom classes may not apply to the graduation requirement.
- A new course titled “Introduction to Computer Science and Technology” which aligns with the Computer Science and Technology standards will be available beginning in the 2024-2025 school year. Appropriate endorsements include BMIT (0304), IT Supplemental (2701), and Math (1100)
- Middle school courses may count towards the high school graduation requirement if conditions are met.
- 92 NAC Rule 10 (section 003.05B) states that school systems may adopt a policy allowing high school credit to be awarded to students enrolled in a middle grades course if the course content and requirements are equivalent to a course offered in that school system’s high school.
- Courses may be taught virtually to meet the graduation requirement.
- 92 NAC Rule 10 (section 004.04D) provides information on multi-site and distance learning options for providing high school courses, including synchronous and asynchronous course options.
- K-12 Technology Scope and Sequence – The Nebraska K-12 Technology Scope and Sequence was developed to provide school districts with a guide for when to teach technology knowledge and skills included within an instructional program. This document is broken up into different areas to make sure students leave high school with basic technology knowledge and skills. These standards do not replace the 7-12 grade technology standards found in the Communication and Information Systems courses.
- Nebraska Microsoft IT Initiative – Through the Nebraska Microsoft IT Initiative, teachers and students will receive software training, online resources, and earn Microsoft Office Specialist, Microsoft Technology Associate, and/or Microsoft Certified Educator certifications.
- Common Sense Media – Digital Citizenship and Common Sense Media – AI Literacy
- Code.org – Free K-12 computer science curriculum
- CodeHS – Over 100 free middle and high school computer science courses
- Computer Science Resources by grade band level
For additional information, contact:
Shaun Young
Computer Science & Technology Education Specialist
Email: shaun.young@nebraska.gov
Phone: (402) 326-7304