STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1190

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.C.R. No. 168

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Twenty-Ninth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2017

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Education, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 168 entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT A STATE PLAN FOR COMPUTER SCIENCE EDUCATION IN ALL PUBLIC SCHOOLS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to request the Department of Education to develop and implement a state plan for computer science education in all public schools.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Education, Microsoft Corporation, Code.org, Women in Technology, and five individuals.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from the University of Hawaii System.

     Your Committee finds that strong computer science skills prepare students for a wide variety of career paths.  Your Committee further finds that the number of computing jobs available in Hawaii far outstrips the number of qualified graduates entering the workforce, and that the average salary for computing jobs is significantly higher than the average salary for many jobs available in the State.  Your Committee additionally finds that implementing robust computer science curricula into all public schools will equip Hawaii's students with the skills that they will need for high paying, in-demand careers.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Education that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 168 and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Education,

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MICHELLE N. KIDANI, Chair