U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., a possible contender for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016, teamed up with U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., this week to ensure consumer science programs are eligible for federal funding.
Rubio and Casey showcased their Computer Science Education and Jobs Act which provides clarification to allow current federal education programs cover computer science courses under their umbrellas.
Rubio explained his rationale for introducing the bill on Wednesday.
Our students must be equipped with skills that lead to employment in todays global economic marketplace, as well as a strong foundation should they choose to continue their education in a postsecondary setting, said Rubio. An increasing number of jobs require or will require a foundational knowledge of computer science and related fields, and the Computer Science Education and Jobs Act ensures greater access to this kind of learning. This bill can help advance todays K-12 education into the 21st century and provide our students with the skills they need to succeed.
Casey agreed with Rubio that young Americans will need to focus on computer science and other STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) areas to compete in the future job market.
I am proud to introduce the Computer Science Education and Jobs Act in the Senate to help our schools improve computer science instruction, Casey said. In both the near- and long-term, job opportunities in mathematics and computer science will grow faster than in any other technology sector category. This legislation will give more students the opportunity to position themselves for high-skilled, good paying jobs in the future through the study of computer science.
The bill has won the support of the Computer Science Teachers Association, the Computing Research Association, the National Center for Women and Information Technology, the National Center of Technological Literacy, and the National Science Teachers Association.
Robert Runcie, the superintendent of Broward County Public Schools, is also backing the measure.
I want to thank Sens. Rubio and Casey for leading the charge on Capitol Hill for more computer science education in schools, with the introduction of the Computer Science Education And Jobs Act of 2015, Runcie said on Wednesday. In Broward County Public Schools, we are in the midst of dramatically expanding our computer science offerings by adding new curriculum throughout K-12. Todays students are surrounded by technology, and we must prepare them to tap into incredible career opportunities. The proposed legislation will help expand computer science not only in Broward County, but across our great nation.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
