(a) To ensure all students are fully prepared for the technology jobs of today and the future, the department of education shall develop a state plan for computer science in grades kindergarten through twelve (K-12). In developing the state plan for computer science, the department shall solicit feedback from local education agency leaders, computer science educators, state institution of higher education representatives in the computer science field, the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network, computer science industry representatives, individuals with experience in computer programming, and other appropriate stakeholders, as determined by the department.

(b) The state plan for computer science must set strategic goals and make recommendations to:

(1) Ensure public high school students have access to at least one (1) computer science course;

(2) Integrate computer science into elementary education;

(3) Allow computer science course completion to count as a core admission requirement at state institutions of higher education;

(4) Develop educator preparation program standards and requirements for computer science;

(5) Increase the number of underrepresented student groups earning college credit in computer science while still in high school; and

(6) Ensure opportunities for educators who teach computer science to earn the computer science endorsement approved by the state board of education.

(c) The department shall submit a copy of the state plan for computer science to the speaker of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives by May 1, 2020.