Governor launches new computer science initiative for R.I. public schools

GOV. GINA M. Raimondo unveiled a new initiative on Monday to expand computer science learning for all public high school students. / PBN FILE PHOTO/ MICHAEL SALERNO
GOV. GINA M. Raimondo unveiled a new initiative on Monday to expand computer science learning for all public high school students. / PBN FILE PHOTO/ MICHAEL SALERNO

PROVIDENCE – A new computer science initiative, Computer Science for RI, to help every public school in Rhode Island teach computer science classes by December 2017, was launched Monday by Gov. Gina M. Raimondo.

Raimondo, whose budget proposal includes $260,000 to support the expansion of computer science programming, was joined by federal, state and local officials, as well as representatives from business and education, for the announcement.

The CS4RI effort is being conducted in partnership with Microsoft, Code.org, and colleges and universities across Rhode Island.

Computer science skills in kindergarten through grade 12 will be expanded.

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“Our kids deserve the best opportunities in the 21st century tech-driven economy, so we need to do everything we can to help them get ahead by developing the skills that matter,” Raimondo said in a statement. “Part of turning our economy around and creating jobs is making sure every student, at every level, has access to the new basic skill: computer science. Thanks to the partners we have assembled for this initiative, I know we can achieve this goal.”

According to information provided by the governor’s office, advanced placement computer science is only offered in nine public high schools and no Title I schools (schools where at least 40 percent of students are from low-income families), and only 1 percent of Rhode Island high school students are currently enrolled in computer science courses. In addition, only 42 public high school students took the AP computer science exam in 2015.

By 2022, the state Department of Labor and Training estimates that there will be more than 4,000 openings in computer and math jobs. The release from the governor’s office said Rhode Island’s IT industry is a “leading force in our economy, and STEAM and IT jobs are among our fastest growing positions.” It also said computer and IT jobs pay a median annual salary of $80,000.

Acting U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. said Pres. Barack Obama’s budget includes funding for states and districts to increase access to computer science by providing training for educators, expanding access to high-quality instructional materials, and building effective regional partnerships.

“By offering computer science in every public school and every grade, Rhode Island has become the latest state to lead the way in offering computer science for all,” King said.

The CS4RI effort is being coordinated by the Rhode Island Innovation Office at Rhode Island College, in partnership with the RI STEM Center, also at RIC, and the state Department of Education.

Partners also include Project Lead the Way, Brown University’s Bootstrap, and University of Rhode Island’s computer science curricula for high school.

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