HR0774 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0774 LRB101 20837 LAW 70610 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Computing technology is an integral part of modern culture and is transforming how people interact with each other and the world around them; and

WHEREAS, Computer science builds students' computational, critical thinking, and deeper learning skills, which enables them to understand and create, instead of simply using, the next generation of technological tools; and

WHEREAS, Computer science is transforming industry, bolstering productivity in established economic sectors, and driving job creation and innovation throughout our State's economy; and

WHEREAS, Providing access to computer science education is a critical step toward ensuring that Illinois remains competitive in the global economy and strengthens its cybersecurity; and

WHEREAS, The outlook for computer science jobs is bright, with over 500,000 open computing positions across the country; and

WHEREAS, Participation in high-quality computer science activities exposes students to the rich opportunities the field offers; and

WHEREAS, Computing occupations make up two-thirds of all projected new jobs in STEM fields, making computer science one of the most in-demand college majors; and

WHEREAS, Computer science education has challenges to address, including counting computer science classes towards high school graduation requirements and providing professional development for computer science teachers; and

WHEREAS, There are fewer advanced placement (AP) examinations taken in computer science than in any other STEM subject area; and

WHEREAS, The field of computer science has significant equity barriers to address, including attracting more participation by females and underrepresented minorities to all levels and branches; and

WHEREAS, Student exposure to computer science at a young age has the potential to address the diversity gap in computer science fields; and

WHEREAS, Girls who take an AP computer science course in high school are 10 times more likely to major in computer science in college; African American and Latino pupils who take the course in high school are over seven times more likely to major in computer science in college; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare the month of September 2020 as Computer Science Education Month in the State of Illinois and encourage cutting-edge professional development for computer science teachers and exposure to computer science concepts for all students, with opportunities provided for females and underrepresented minorities.