15-249.17. Code writers initiative program; grants; annual report

A. The code writers initiative program is established within the department of education to provide grants on a competitive basis pursuant to title 41, chapter 24, article 1 for the purposes prescribed in this section. The Indian education advisory council in the department of education shall evaluate grant applications and make award recommendations to the department. The department shall maximize available funding by awarding grants to participants that will leverage state monies by securing gifts, grants and donations from other sources.

B. Grantees in the code writers initiative program shall:

1. Introduce a computer code writing curriculum for students in grades nine through twelve.

2. Deliver a technology-focused education to Native American students that will prepare the students for the global economy. The instruction may be offered through after-school programming.

3. Instruct Native American students in computer code writing and work with industry partners to develop internships and programs that will be made available to students who complete the program curriculum.

4. Instruct teachers and administrators in a technology-focused curriculum.

5. Develop assessment metrics to measure progress to be used to determine the initiative's effectiveness.

6. Install audiovisual distance learning equipment at key delivery points to maximize the number of program participants.

7. Determine the impacts from the initiative's curriculum and teacher instruction on students' standardized test scores and graduation rates.

8. On or before September 1 of each year, submit an annual report to the president of the senate, the speaker of the house of representatives, the Indian education advisory council and the department of education containing detailed information relating to the requirements of this subsection for the most recent school year.