Comp Sci Now Required To Graduate High School In Chicago

Schools have long recognized the importance of being able to use a computer, which is why back in the day, schools set up computer labs and some even taught students the basics of computer programming. However for the most part, it was optional as to whether or not you needed to know how to code, but that has changed, at least as far as the public schools of Chicago are concerned.

The Chicago Public School Board of Education has recently unanimously voted that computer science will now be a graduation requirement for all high school students, at least starting from next year’s class of freshmen for the graduating class of 2020. This plan has been set in motion from back in 2013 with Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel announcing his plan to make computer science a core subject.

In a statement Emanuel made regarding the recent decision, “Making sure that our students are exposed to STEM and computer science opportunities early on is critical in building a pipeline to both college to career. Requiring computer science as a core requirement will ensure that our graduates are proficient in the language of the 21st century so that they can compete for the jobs of the future.”

Emanuel is not alone in recognizing the importance of computer science being taught in schools. Just last month, President Obama also pledged $4 billion towards the development of computer science in schools. There are also a ton of various initiatives from other groups that aim to teach children to code at an early age through educational programs and apps.

Tyler Lee
Categories: General
Tags: Education