By James Maroney
State Sen., D-14
James Maroney
As a legislator I have tried to focus my legislative efforts around innovation and opportunity. One of the most important opportunities we can provide our students with is a strong education. I have fought to include computer coding in our curriculum and advance the coding opportunities available to our students. Offering computer coding will provide them with the skills they need to succeed in the economy of today and tomorrow. It is critical for both our students and our companies to develop an advanced workforce.
Why is it so critical that students study computer science? As we move to the internet of things, computer science knowledge will touch everything. Even careers that in the past might not have required tech knowledge will require that knowledge going forward.
For instance, cars have become rolling computers. According to the Association of Computing Machinery, computing drives innovation in the sciences, including vaccine research and environmental monitoring and protection, and also in engineering, business, entertainment and education. Computing jobs are among the highest paid and have the highest job satisfaction. Computing is often associated with innovation. The possibilities for future developments are expected to be even greater than they have been in the past.
Recently, I attended a code.org conference. Code.org is a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to computer science in schools and increasing participation by young women and students from other underrepresented groups. Their mission is to give students in K-12 the opportunity to implement computer science as part of their schoolwork. The conference was a great opportunity to be with policymakers and experts on computer science as well as experts on cybersecurity from around the country. It gave me great ideas that I can bring back to Connecticut.
There is currently one plan in place in our state that allows districts to make computer science a graduation requirement. Although it is not mandated, it is a good option should districts want to implement computer science in the curriculum.
I am working on legislation right now that will allow state colleges to accept computer science as an admission requirement. I am also working on acquiring funding for computer science courses. Women only make up 24 percent of those who practice coding in Connecticut. With funding in place, we will be able to ensure that we are giving all students the ability to access computer science courses.
According to computerscience.org, by 2026 computer science research jobs are projected to increase by 19 percent. By 2030, 75 percent of new jobs being created will require computer science. Giving children the opportunity to learn about computer science during school allows them another choice for something they can study following high school graduation. If a student doesn’t know about computer science, they may not know of the opportunities that come along with it.