The Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) is taking public comment on a draft of the 2025 “Alabama Course of Study: Digital Literacy and Computer Science” until 5 p.m. on November 27. The issue will then be presented to the Alabama State Board of Education at its December 2025 meeting.
The Course of Study updates the 2018 Course of Study for digital literacy and computer science programs from Kindergarten through Grade 12 in Alabama’s public schools.
The state has prioritized the subject beginning with the Computer Science for Alabama Act (Act 2019-389), which required all K-12 public schools to offer computer science courses or include computer science instruction in their curriculum by the 2022-2023 school year.
By the 2023-2024 school year, 94% of Alabama high schools had fulfilled this requirement — well above the national average of 60%.
In 2024, updates to the Alabama Administrative Code reinforced the state’s dedication to digital literacy and computer science by making the completion of a state-approved computer science course a graduation requirement, starting with the class of 2032.
“Preparing our students for tomorrow means giving them the tools to thrive in a world driven by innovation. Computer science isn’t just an elective anymore – it’s a necessity,” Gov. Kay Ivey said about the graduation requirements. “We’re committed to ensuring every Alabama student, no matter where they’re from, has the skills to compete and succeed in the global economy.”
The report stated, “The 2025 Alabama Course of Study: Digital Literacy and Computer Science defines what learners should know and be able to achieve after completing each grade level in order to become critical thinkers, ethical digital citizens, and innovative problem-solvers who can use and create technology responsibly. This document was created by the Alabama State Digital Literacy and Computer Science Committee and Task Force, consisting of educators representing all levels from Kindergarten through higher education, as well as industry and community leaders.”
Members of the public can submit as many comments as needed via a form made available by the Department of Education.
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