Missouri is one of ten states that does not require high school students to pass a computer science course to graduate. State Sen. Doug Libla, R-Poplar Bluff, is proposing to make completion of the course a requirement because he thinks it’s a serious oversight.
“I’m of the impression that over 90% of the schools in the state of Missouri does not computer science,” says Libla. “That’s sad.”
Libla says teacher training of computer science isn’t costly. He says training could be completed in a matter of days through code.org
“We’re 18 years into the 21st century and computer technology and those who understand computer technology is a high-paying job. It’s the fast-growing career choice, even past healthcare,” says Libla. “So when you’re talking about jobs and economic development in the state of Missouri, how can we let that stand. No matter what career you’re going into, you don’t necessarily have to be a programmer or coder, no matter what career, technology is going to effect your job description.”
Libla says offering computer science classes, even in elementary school, would help kids to become better all-around students because computers make school fun.