Bipartisan Bill to Support Successful Computer Science Education

On June 14th, 2021, Congressional Future Caucus member Rep. Derek Kilmer (WA-6) introduced HR3870, the Teacher Education for Computer Science Act, in the House of Representatives. Fellow Future Caucus member Rep. Eric Swalwell (CA-15) and Emeritus Future Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Anthony Gonzalez (OH-16) are original co-sponsors on this bipartisan effort. 

This bill amends the Higher Education Act of 1965 to provide training and preparation for computer science teachers. The expanded focus on preparing computer science teachers includes a new grant program for institutions providing eligible teacher education programs, graduate fellowships to prepare faculty in high-need areas, scholarships for underrepresented students in the computer science field, and more. Improving the quality and quantity of computer science educators builds a corps of informed and innovative teachers and introduces more young Americans to skills required for in-demand, and high-paying jobs. 

The computer and research science workforce is rapidly growing and in need of support. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the employment of computer scientists will increase 15 percent from 2019 to 2029, while a report from Code.org shows that more than half of high schools in the United States lack any form of computer science education. Rep. Kilmer said of the Teach CS Act: “…these efforts to strengthen computer science programs will provide more job opportunities for our kids, more qualified employees for local employers, and more economic resiliency for our communities.” 

Currently active, the Teach CS Act has been referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor with 8 Democratic and 3 Republican co-sponsors as of September 10th, 2021.