[Congressional Bills 111th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 558 Engrossed in House (EH)]

H. Res. 558

                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                      October 20, 2009.
Whereas computing technology has become an integral part of culture and is 
        transforming how people interact with each other and the world around 
        them;
Whereas computer science is transforming industry, creating new fields of 
        commerce, driving innovation in all fields of science, and bolstering 
        productivity in established economic sectors;
Whereas the field of computer science underpins the information technology 
        sector of our economy, which is a significant contributor to United 
        States economic output;
Whereas the information technology sector is uniquely positioned to help with 
        economic recovery through the research and development of new 
        innovations;
Whereas National Computer Science Education Week can inform students, teachers, 
        parents, and the general public about the crucial role that computer 
        science plays in transforming our society and how computer science 
        enables innovation in all science, technology, engineering, and 
        mathematics disciplines and creates economic opportunities;
Whereas providing students the chance to participate in high-quality computer 
        science activities, including through science scholarships, exposes them 
        to the rich opportunities the field offers and provides critical 
        thinking skills that will serve them throughout their lives;
Whereas all students deserve a thorough preparation in science, technology, 
        engineering, and mathematics education, including access to the 
        qualified teachers, technology, and age-appropriate curriculum needed to 
        learn computer science at the elementary and secondary levels of 
        education;
Whereas these subjects provide the critical foundation to master the skills 
        demanded by our 21st century workforce;
Whereas computer science education has challenges to address, including 
        distinguishing computer science from technology literacy and providing 
        adequate professional development for computer science teachers;
Whereas the field of computer science has significant equity barriers to 
        address, including attracting more participation by females and 
        underrepresented minorities to all levels and branches;
Whereas Grace Murray Hopper, one of the first females in the field of computer 
        science, engineered new programming languages and pioneered standards 
        for computer systems which laid the foundation for many advancements in 
        computer science; and
Whereas the week of December 7, in honor of Grace Hopper's birthday, is 
        designated as ``National Computer Science Education Week'': Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the designation of National Computer Science Education 
        Week;
            (2) encourages schools, teachers, researchers, universities, and 
        policymakers to identify mechanisms for teachers to receive cutting edge 
        professional development to provide sustainable learning experiences in 
        computer science at all educational levels and encourage students to be 
        exposed to computer science concepts;
            (3) encourages opportunities, including through existing programs, 
        for females and underrepresented minorities in computer science; and
            (4) supports research in computer science to address what would 
        motivate increased participation in this field.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.