HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.R. NO.	112
TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2017
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE RESOLUTION

REQUESTING THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION EXAMINE HAVING COMPUTER SCIENCE CREDITS COUNT TOWARDS high school GRADUATION REQUIREMENTs TO ENCOURAGE COMPUTER SCIENCE EDUCATION.

     WHEREAS, there are fewer Advanced Placement examinations taken in computer science than in any other STEM subject area; and

     WHEREAS, computing occupations comprise up to two-thirds of all projected new jobs in STEM fields and offer higher-paying entry-level jobs than other degrees, making computer science one of the most in-demand college degrees; and

     WHEREAS, computer science drives job creation and innovation throughout the nation's economy; and

     WHEREAS, providing students with access to computer science education is a critical step for ensuring that Hawaii remains competitive in the global economy; and

     WHEREAS, basic technological skills are increasingly necessary in day-to-day life regardless of a student's ultimate career choice; and

     WHEREAS, it is therefore the intent of the Legislature that all students have a basic understanding of computer science; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-ninth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2017, that the Board of Education is requested to examine having computer science count as a science or math credit for high school graduation requirements; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Education and the Chairperson of the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:

Computer Science Education; High School Graduation Requirements