By Liana Heitin
Computer science education is getting something of a fresh look from state and local policymakers, with many starting to push new measures to broaden K-12 students’ access to the subject.
Seventeen states and the District of Columbia now have policies in place that allow computer science to count as a mathematics or science credit, rather than as an elective, in high schools—and that number is on the rise. Wisconsin, Alabama, and Maryland have adopted such policies since December, and Idaho has a legislative measure awaiting final action.
At least eight more states are in the process of reviewing proposals for similar legislative or regulatory changes.
“The amazing thing is not only the level to which policy changes are increasing, but the diversity, both regional and political,” of where it’s happening, said Cameron Wilson, the chief operating officer for the computer science advocacy group Code.org. “These are red states and blue states, and they’re all embracing this.”
continue reading: Computer Science: Not Just an Elective Anymore – Education Week.