Jul. 18, 2016
HARRISBURG — Legislation authored by Rep. Kathy Rapp (R-Warren/Crawford/Forest) to encourage high school students to gain computer science and technology skills is now law. The measure was included in the 2016-17 School Code bill, adopted as part of the annual state budget process.
“As the computer science information technology field experiences growth, employers are unable to fill positions. Skills required for the jobs include proficiency in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM),” Rapp said. “By training students to fill these positions, we are better positioning them for success, as well as Pennsylvania’s economy.”
Beginning with the class of 2016-17, students who successfully complete a class in computer science or information technology (IT) may satisfy one math or science graduation credit requirement. Public schools have the power to decide if earned computer science credits count as a math or science credit.
As the legislation is focused on encouraging – not mandating – school districts to acknowledge students’ successful computer science or information technology training, schools retain their rights. None will be forced to offer computer science courses. Likewise, students will not be required to take such courses.
“Even though information technology is one of the fastest-growing occupations in the nation, students were often driven to other careers as computer science previously did not satisfy any core graduation requirements. Now that there is more incentive for them to take a class they may find interesting, Pennsylvania is better positioned to take advantage of available employment opportunities,” Rapp added.
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Representative Kathy Rapp
65th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Ty McCauslin
717.772.9979
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