Why we need computer science in every California school – Capitol Weekly | Capitol Weekly

Opinion – When teachers and legislators work together to prioritize California students, the results will benefit everyone. That’s why we work together to ensure that all students have the computer science skills they need to succeed in today’s job market and in life.

Computers and technology are an essential part of our daily lives. Nearly every industry across California, from technology and pharmaceuticals to agriculture and automotive, relies on employees with computational skills. And all students, no matter where they come from, deserve to learn the basic computer skills they need to decipher life in the 21st century.

But the data clearly shows that students from disadvantaged communities too often don’t have the same access to computer science and technology classes as their more affluent counterparts. We are working together to change that.

Despite being home to Silicon Valley, the world’s birthplace of innovation and technology, California lags behind 31 other states in prioritizing computer science education. Half of all high schools in California do not offer computer science courses. Disparities are more pronounced in rural and low-income areas, further widening educational disparities and denying students the opportunity to learn skills important to nearly every career they choose.

As a teacher at a Title 1 school in Riverside County, Princess Che Carlson explains how computer science courses can help students create their own projects with real-world applications and build important problem-solving skills. I saw firsthand how it captivates students. A student taking an introductory computer science course at Riverside realized the benefits of studying computer science and petitioned the local school board to provide an AP Computer Science application, when none was offered at the time. did.

That’s why we need to pass AB 2097, the Computer Science for All Act, to ensure that every high school student in California has the training and knowledge they need to succeed in the digital age. there is. The legislation would require all public high schools to adopt a plan to offer at least one computer science course by the 2028-29 school year.

The bill would expand enrollment for underrepresented groups, including women, students with disabilities, and students from low socio-economic status households. Prioritizing equity is critical to a more representative and inclusive tech workforce that reflects California’s rich diversity.

The Computer Science for All Act is a commitment to our children’s future and California’s economy. By making computer science education accessible to all students, California can lay the foundation for a more just and informed society that gives every child a chance to succeed.

Rep. Berman is the author of AB 2097, the Computer Science for All Act. Princess Chae Carlson is her AP Computer Science teacher at Riverside.