BILL FORGING PATH FOR A 21ST CENTURY EDUCATION CLEARS ASSEMBLY
BILL FORGING PATH FOR A 21ST CENTURY EDUCATION CLEARS ASSEMBLY
Assemblywoman Patricia Egan Jones bill requires schools districts to offer a course in computer science.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JANUARY 10, 2018
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(TRENTON) – Legislation authored by Assemblywoman Patricia Egan Jones (D-Camden/Gloucester) requiring school districts to offer a course in computer science, and requiring the Department of Education to adopt changes to New Jersey Student Learning Standards in computer science has cleared the Assembly.
“There are over 23,000 open computer science jobs in New Jersey, meaning the demand rate for workers educated in computer science is 4.5 times the average of other states,” said the Assemblywoman. “This bill will introduce computer science to more students. The current 3 percent graduate rate for students with a computer science degree is insufficient to satisfy demand in this growing and high paying career field”
Bill A2873 will give all high school students the opportunity to learn about computer science. Students will have the opportunity to learn about computational thinking, computer programming, the appropriate use of the Internet and development of Internet web pages, data security and the prevention of data breaches, ethical matters in computer science, and the global impact of advancements in computer science.
“Making sure our students are getting an education that will be useful and relevant in their life means making sure they know the fundamentals about modern technology,” said the Assemblywoman. “My bill will help students hone the logic, algorithmic thinking, analytical, and problem solving skills that will lay the foundation for them to be successful in any number of career fields.”
The State Board of Education will adopt any appropriate changes to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and graduation requirements beginning in 2022-2023 school year.
“I am committed to making sure our schools are providing an education for the 21st century,” said Assemblywoman Jones. “These courses will not only benefit students who would like to pursue computer science in college, but also help students pursuing careers in other fields.”
Bill A2873 was advanced today by the New Jersey Assembly and awaiting approval from the Governor.
Assemblywoman Patricia Egan Jones represents the Fifth Legislative District and is a member of the Assembly Education Committee.
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