Alabama § 16-46B-7 - Graduation Requirements.

§ 16-46B-7. Graduation Requirements.

(a) Before June 30, 2020, and in accordance with Section 16-35-4, the department shall identify approved computer science courses that may fulfill one unit of academic credit for any mathematics or science course for high school graduation.

(b) Beginning with the graduating class of 2021, for the purposes of high school graduation requirements and satisfying mathematics or science freshman admission requirements for a public institution of higher education physically located in this state, as determined by the institution of higher education, a computer science course successfully completed under subsection (a) shall be equivalent to either of the following:

(1) One mathematics course credit.

(2) One science course credit.

(c)(1) Beginning with the graduating class of 2032, all public school students shall demonstrate digital literacy by earning at least one credit in a department-approved high school or college-level computer science course, or by completing a department-approved course with embedded computer science skills and experiences. The department shall develop and publish a set of minimum standards that must be taught in every course with embedded computer science skills and experiences. The department shall publish a list of high school or college-level computer science courses and courses with embedded computer science skills and experiences which have been approved and meet the minimum standards required. This requirement shall not result in an increase in the number of credits required for graduation.

(2) Each computer science credit earned may fulfill any one of the following, as determined by the local superintendent of education:

a. One mathematics course credit.

b. One science course credit.

c. One career and technical education course credit.

d. One elective credit.

(3) Mathematics course credits and science course credits may only be replaced by department-approved computer science courses if the public school student is earning a general education diploma that requires the completion of both four mathematics course credits and four science course credits.

(4) Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, completion of a computer science course shall not count as a college and career readiness indicator unless the course satisfies the requirements of another college and career readiness indicator, such as attaining career and technical education completer status or earning a qualifying score on an Advanced Placement exam.