Bills aim to boost computer science in public schools

Bills to beef up computer science instruction in local public schools are making strides at the Legislature.

Two companion bills would provide money to train teachers in the subject and allow computer science to fulfill one of the math or science credits required for graduation. The legislation also calls on the Department of Education to ensure that each high school offers at least one course in the subject each year.

This year, 21 of the department’s 45 high schools offer computer science, and students at other campuses may take such courses online. Computer science is an elective subject. Just three math credits are required for graduation, including algebra and geometry.

On Tuesday, SB2507 SD2 passed the full Senate with no opposition and was transmitted to the House. It was introduced by Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz, chair of the Ways and Means Committee. HB2607 HD1 passed the full House last week and crossed over to the Senate, where it has passed first reading. Rep. Justin Woodson is its lead sponsor.

Schools Superintendent Christina Kishimoto testified that the department has a team already working on a comprehensive plan to expand computer science education from elementary through 12th grade by 2022, with standards aligned to national efforts.

DevLeague, a coding boot camp, has been working with public school teachers and students, and offers web development and cybersecurity courses in several schools with funds from foundations and private partners.

“The funds are designed to kick-start the DOE coding programs, establish curriculum, train teachers and build college and career pathways for students,” said Russel Cheng, DevLeague’s co-founder and director.

“The biggest constraints now are more funding for schools and educator training in computer science,” he said. “Now is the time to boldly invest in computer science at the K-12 level.”

The two bills have no specific dollar figure yet for teacher training, common at this stage of the legislative process. Code.org called for $500,000 in state funding to prepare existing teachers to offer computing courses.

A report released last month by HawaiiKidsCAN on the state of computer science education in Hawaii found that it is in demand but supply is lacking. The group, which advocates for educational equity, sees computer science as means to set up students for success, with jobs in the field growing faster and paying better than other sectors.

Executive Director David Miyashiro acknowledged the difficulty public schools face in competing with the private sector for personnel because computer science jobs pay so well.

“So the question really becomes ‘How do you train the teaching force we have?’” Miyashiro said. “The great thing is we have great resources out there that can train humanities teachers … to kind of work this into what they’re already doing.”

Introductory computer science courses can click better with students than some math classes.

“At Campbell (High), students are saying computer science has actually helped them with their math classes, seeing how these functions work,” Miyashiro said. “Math courses can be very theoretical. With computer science you are creating things and it’s interesting and relevant.

“At the class I visited at Campbell, they are working on writing songs completely through code, with not a single instrument in that classroom. The technology has grown into all these different areas, which is why I think it’s versatile and helpful.”