WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Mitt Romney (R-UT), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), announced the re-introduction of their Teacher Education for Computer Science Act (Teach CS) Act. This bipartisan legislation would support teacher training and schools in educating students in the area of computer science. The senators first introduced the bipartisan Teach CS Act last Congress.
“We need to make sure our kids have the tools they need to succeed in the 21st century global economy,” said Senator Romney. “Our legislation will strengthen computer science curriculums in Utah and around the country and create more opportunities for students to gain important skills which our changing workforce demands. I appreciate Governor Cox’s commitment to prioritizing computer science for every student in our state, and I’m proud to support similar efforts in the Senate.”
“As a former computer programmer, I understand firsthand the value of a STEM education,” said Senator Rosen. “That’s why I’ve made it a priority in Congress to increase access to STEM education to students. But we can’t adequately educate our students without first properly training our educators. I’m re-introducing this bipartisan legislation to provide educators with the professional development they need to teach our students computer science knowledge and skills. I will continue working in Congress to provide Nevada’s educators and students with the resources they need to succeed.”
“Addressing America’s shortage of computer science graduates starts with investing in teachers,” said Senator Wicker. “This legislation would make targeted changes to place more qualified computer science instructors in our schools, which would better equip our students to pursue careers in STEM.”
“In order to ensure that Granite State students are prepared to compete in the 21st century economy, we must strengthen and expand computer science education,” said Senator Hassan. “This bipartisan bill would do just that by helping provide more educators with the skills to teach students computer science. I am glad to join this effort, and I will continue to work with my colleagues across the aisle on legislation to strengthen opportunities for Granite Staters to secure good-paying jobs.”
Background:
The bipartisan, bicameral Teach CS Act would amend the Higher Education Act (HEA) to include computer science education eligibility for multiple teacher preparation grants and graduate fellowships, and authorize a new program for competitive grants for eligible institutions of higher education to establish centers of excellence in teacher education programs for computer science. Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA) plans to introduce companion bipartisan legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.