Resolution calling upon the New York State Department of Education to make optional a coding class in grades 6-8 and make compulsory coding class during grades 9-12.

Res. No. 849

Resolution calling upon the New York State Department of Education to make optional a coding class in grades 6-8 and make compulsory coding class during grades 9-12.

By Council Members Levine, Barron, Gentile, Mendez, Richards, Rose and Cohen

Whereas, In a 2013 address at the annual White House Science Fair, President Obama stated one of the things that he’s been focused on as President is how to create an all-hands-on-deck approach to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM); and

Whereas, The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) is an advisory group of the nation’s leading scientists and engineers, appointed by the President to enhance the science and technology advice available to him from inside the White House and from cabinet departments and other Federal agencies; and

Whereas, According a 2010 report by PCAST entitled Prepare and Inspire: K-12 Education in Science, Education, Technology Engineering and Math for America’s Future, “The success of the United States in the 21st century - its wealth and welfare - will depend on the ideas and skills of its population.”; and

Whereas, Additionally, the report notes that STEM education will determine whether the United States will continue to be a leader among nations and whether we will be able to solve challenges in such areas as energy, health, environmental protection, and national security; and

Whereas, Technology is one of the leading industries in job growth and is expected to continue to expand; and

Whereas, Additionally, computer coding skills are utilized in a number of different industries as they increase their reliance on technological advances; and 

Whereas, Data compiled by the organization Code.org estimates that at current rates, the United States will have 1 million more computer science jobs than students with computer science degrees by 2020; and

Whereas, Although schools nationwide are starting to emphasize preparing students for work in the 21st century and provide some computer science electives, most states do not count computer science courses towards either math or science graduation requirements; and

Whereas, Computer science is the only one of the STEM fields that has seen a decrease in student participation according to the National Center for Education Statistics; and

Whereas, Education and training in these fields long before college can help ensure students’ success in transitioning to either college or work; and

Whereas, Computer coding or programming is the language that makes it possible to create computer software, applications and websites and is the backbone of technology; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Department of Education to make optional a coding class in grades 6-8 and make compulsory coding class during grades 9-12.

LS 4338

6/29/15

JP