Pupil instruction: science and mathematics.

Existing law requires the adopted course of study for grades 7 to 12, inclusive, to offer courses in science and mathematics. Existing law also requires the Instructional Quality Commission to recommend to the State Board of Education the adoption of minimum standards for courses of study, and requires public schools to conform to those minimum standards, when adopted. This bill would require the commission and the state board to ensure that the science and mathematics curriculum frameworks adopted in the course of the next submission cycle include the subjects of engineering and robotics, and, upon the adoption of those curriculum frameworks, would require instruction in the areas of science and mathematics to include instruction in engineering and robotics. To the extent that these requirements would impose new duties on local educational agencies, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to these statutory provisions.