Press Releases
11/16/2021
2021 State of Computer Science Report Highlights Connecticut’s Achievements
New report provides comprehensive analysis of Connecticut’s progress in expanding access to computer science education
(Hartford, CT) – Code.org, the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA), and the Expanding Computing Education Pathways Alliance, released the 2021 State of Computer Science Education: Accelerating Action Through Advocacy. Published annually, the report provides the most comprehensive analysis of national progress in computer science education, featuring national and state-level policy and implementation data with a focus on equity and diversity. This year, Connecticut was featured for being one of only three states to require all educator preparation programs to include computer science.
“In 2020, to keep students engaged during the COVID-19 pandemic, we launched the ‘Lt. Governor’s Computing Challenge,’ which was inspired by the work of the Council on Women and Girls Education and STEAM Subcommittee,” said Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz. “Now an annual event, the goal of the challenge is to get students, particularly young women who are underrepresented in STEM fields, to pursue an education in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields. I’m proud that Connecticut is being recognized for our focus computer science education for all of our children.”
“Connecticut is proud to support computer science education and its importance to preparing our students for 21st century careers. We’ve made great strides to increase computer science access and equity in our schools and classrooms,” said Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker.
Connecticut has adopted seven of the nine policies recommended by the Code.org Advocacy Coalition. This highlights the commitment of the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE), local school districts, legislators, and other stakeholders to support computer science education in schools.
In the last five years Connecticut has advanced computer science education by:
- creating the Connecticut Computer Science Plan approved by the State Board of Education;
- adopting the CSTA K-12 Computer Science Standards;
- passing a permissive policy for local boards of education to allow computer science courses aligned to the State Computer Science Standards to count towards the nine STEM credits required for graduation;
- updating legislation mandating public schools to include the teaching of computer science in their program of instruction;
- developing a K-6 or 7-12 computer science endorsement available to teachers with existing licensure; and
- requiring educator preparation programs to include instruction in computer science that is grade-level and subject-area appropriate.
CSDE is pleased to announce that 82% percent of public high schools in Connecticut taught a foundational Computer Science course in 2019-2020, compared to 67% percent the previous school year. Additionally, this is 40% percent higher than the national average.
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For Immediate Release: November 16, 2021
Contact: Eric Scoville
Connecticut State Department of Education
860-424-1988 (cell)
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