33 States expand access to K-12 Computer Science Education in 2019

Since January 2019, 33 states have passed legislation and funded $42.5 million to expand access to and diversity in K-12 computer science, according to the Code.org Advocacy Coalition, a group of more than 70 industry, non-profit, and advocacy organizations working together to make computer science a fundamental part of K-12 education.  Since the coalition was founded in 2013, nearly all states have made policy changes to ensure that students have an opportunity to learn computer science. Members of the coalition include Amazon, College Board, Computer Science Teachers Association, ExcelinEd, and Microsoft.  “Interest in computer science education is increasing at a record pace. Teachers, parents, community leaders and policy makers from across the country are recognizing the importance of ensuring that every student has the opportunity to learn computer science,” said Cameron Wilson, president of the Code.org Advocacy Coalition. “The momentum for expanding access to computer science education this legislative session would not have been possible without the support of our partners at the local, state, and national level.”  The 33 states passed new laws or initiatives to support K-12 computer science (CS) since January of this year: Georgia enacted legislation requiring all high schools to offer computer science and included $750,000 in their budget for CS teacher professional development. “Microsoft is encouraged to see these advancements in access to computer science education, especially as almost all 50 states make computer science count as a core high school graduation requirement. We look forward to continuing to work with states to build upon these successes in the coming years. These policies will help ensure all students are ready for the career opportunities created by our digital economy,” said Fred Humphries, Corporate Vice President of U.S. Government Affairs at Microsoft.  “States are recognizing that computer skills have become as fundamental to student success as reading, writing and math. If we are not teaching our children computer science, we are not preparing them to participate in a world of rapidly changing technology and advancement,” said Patricia Levesque, CEO of ExcelinEd. “Policymakers across the nation are responding in unprecedented, bipartisan ways with new policies and meaningful investments in focused programs, teacher training and classroom resources. We are thankful for the commitment of state leaders and look forward to providing continued support toward ensuring students are better prepared for success in the careers of tomorrow and beyond.” “It’s about building core skills and a sense of agency for today’s world,” said Stefanie Sanford, Chief of Global Policy & External Relations for the College Board. “We need far more students, from a wide variety of backgrounds, ready to shape the future of technology instead of simply coping with it. The incredible growth of AP Computer Science Principles is helping widen the pipeline of talent in the tech sector, and our work to expand civics education alongside computer science will mean more students ready for the challenges of 21st-century citizenship. Mastering the two codes of technology and democracy is critical for the future of our country.”  For a complete list of members of the Code.org Advocacy Coalition, visit www.code.org/advocacy.