158.809 Virtual computer science career academy -- Development and
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/ky/158-809A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
requirements -- Annual reports.
(1)It is the intention of the General Assembly to increase the Commonwealth's
economic competitiveness in the technology and computing employment sector by
significantly increasing the capacity to educate and prepare high school students for
the technology workforce. A virtual computer science career academy shall be
established to expand access to accelerated, early college career pathways for
Kentucky high school students and prepare them for careers in computing,
particularly in the field of data science. Principal activities for developing,
coordinating, and implementing the academy shall be conducted by WeLeadCS, a
private, nonprofit corporation composed of leaders from education, government,
and technology and computing sector employers.
(2)WeLeadCS may solicit, accept, receive, invest, and expend funds from any public
or private source for the purpose of implementing the provisions in this section.
(3)WeLeadCS shall:
(a)Establish a program in which Kentucky teachers provide virtual, synchronous
instruction for dual college credit computing courses to accelerate students'
completion of computer science degrees and development of the academic
knowledge, technical skills, and employability skills necessary for careers in
high-level computing occupations;
(b)Collaborate with the Kentucky Center for Statistics to define workforce needs
and opportunities in the technology and computing sector in each local
workforce development area;
(c)Develop the nation's first sequential high school career pathway preparing
students for careers in data science. The career pathway shall include
opportunities for students to earn industry certifications prioritized by
employers and college credit for courses that will culminate in accelerated
postsecondary degree completion;
(d)Partner with employers in the technology and computing sector to provide a
work-based learning program to connect student learning to real-world
practices, expose students to a variety of career options with the technology
and computing sector, ensure students develop the tools necessary to compete
in the workforce, and provide opportunities for job shadowing, internships,
and apprenticeships;
(e)Collaborate with employers, K-12 and postsecondary school educators, and
state education leaders to develop local and statewide initiatives to raise
awareness of career opportunities in the technology and computing sector,
particularly in data science;
(f)Advise students in the virtual academy about Kentucky postsecondary degree
opportunities in computer science in demand by employers in the technology
and computing sector, transferring college credits earned through the academy
to expedite and reduce costs of college degree completion, and aligning
personal skills and academic abilities to postsecondary degree requirements
and employers' expectations;
(g)Recruit and train Kentucky certified teachers to deliver high-quality,
synchronous virtual instruction and support students in a virtual learning
environment;
(h)Coordinate with the Kentucky Department of Education, local school districts,
and postsecondary institutions to ensure compliance with statutes and
regulations governing student privacy, grading, articulation agreements,
student transcripts, and other administrative details; and
(i)Submit an annual report to the Kentucky Board of Education and the