[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 129 (Thursday, September 23, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H6945-H6948]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SUPPORTING NATIONAL COMPUTER SCIENCE EDUCATION WEEK
Mr. POLIS. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to
the resolution (H. Res. 1560) supporting the increased understanding
of, and interest in, computer science and computing careers among the
public and in schools, and to ensure an ample and diverse future
technology workforce through the designation of National Computer
Science Education Week.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 1560
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;
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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 5, 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.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Colorado (Mr. Polis) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Platts)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Colorado.
General Leave
Mr. POLIS. Madam Speaker, I request 5 legislative days during which
Members may revise and extend and insert extraneous material on House
Resolution 1560 into the Record.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Colorado?
There was no objection.
Mr. POLIS. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1560, which
designates the week of December 5, 2010, as National Computer Science
Education Week to support increased public awareness of, and interest
in, the field of computer science and careers in computers.
I am honored to have joined Mr. Ehlers of Michigan for the second
year in a row as bipartisan cosponsors in recognizing the critical
importance of computer science education to the future of our country
and to a strong economy and jobs.
The global competitiveness of our workers and our economy depends on
our ability to embrace emergent information in computer technologies.
As an Internet entrepreneur myself, who had founded several successful
companies before I came to Congress, I learned firsthand how computer
technology is transforming people's lives throughout the world and
represents a critical strategy for ensuring our country's national
competitiveness. The Department of Commerce estimates that there will
be 800,000 job openings in computer science over the next 6 years,
making it one of the fastest-growing fields in the country, and it's of
critical importance, particularly during this recovery.
Computer science also drives innovation across other sectors--in
science, technology, engineering, and math. According to the College
Board, 4 of the top 10 fastest-growing jobs will be in computer-related
fields as our Nation's most innovative and successful companies
continue to expand their capabilities. Computer skills, Madam Speaker,
are necessary in jobs across the board. From agricultural jobs to
office jobs, the way we interact with computers plays a critical role
in both our personal and our professional lives.
The types of jobs where we need to do better with regard to computer
education include computer system analysts, software engineers, network
systems managers, data communication analysts and many others. And yet
despite the growing need and the many job openings, there were less
than 60,000 Americans that pursued degrees in computer science in 2008.
In my district in Colorado, for example, more than 2,500 computing
job openings occur annually, but only 10 students say they intend to
major in computer science and 34 took the Advanced Placement computer
science exam, according to the National Center for Women and
Information Technology at the University of Colorado at Boulder, the
flagship State university in our Colorado system.
{time} 1610
Unless we get more kids interested in computer science degrees and
careers, we'll continue to lose our edge in global competitiveness. But
that interest starts early, Madam Speaker. We need to start through
public education, elementary school, middle school, and high school in
giving kids the skills they need to enter these fields in college and
professionally.
National Computer Science Education Week provides an important
opportunity to highlight the opportunities available in this bill and
give kids the skills they need to obtain success, to encourage more
students to pursue careers in the fast-growing fields of computing and
information technology, and also to highlight the importance of a
skilled and diverse workforce that takes full advantage of the great
diversity our Nation has to offer to compete for 21st century jobs.
The date of National Computer Science Education Week coincides with
the birthday of Grace Hopper, one of the first prominent women in the
field of computer science. As a United States Naval officer, Ms. Hopper
became a computer programmer and later engineered new programming
languages and created standards for computer systems which laid the
foundation for major advancements in computer science. The U.S. Navy
destroyer USS Hopper was named in her honor.
National Computer Science Education Week can also help expose
students to innovative technologies and computer science as early as
kindergarten and continuing all the way through college. Students
deserve and need access to the technology, qualified teachers, and age-
appropriate curriculum at the elementary, secondary, and post-secondary
levels. These resources encourage students to distinguish between
computer literacy and computational thinking, which facilitates new
ways to use these powerful tools to approach issues in biology,
chemistry, physics, astronomy, and health care.
In a world dominated by Facebook, iPods, the Web, and the Internet,
every child stands to benefit from a rigorous computer science
education. And yet today, too few students have the opportunity to take
engaging and rigorous computer science courses, and there is far too
little diversity among those who do. Low-income, women, and minority
students are severely underenrolled in computer science courses and
programs, both at the secondary and post-secondary levels, and also in
the related professions.
That's why I have introduced H.R. 5929, the Computer Science
Education Act, which will help ensure that American students not only
use technology but also learn the technical computing skills needed to
grow our economy and invent the technology that will drive our economic
engine in the future. America simply cannot afford to continue wasting
talent and opportunities in this field.
Madam Speaker, I want to thank Representative Ehlers for submitting
this resolution and express my strong support for recognizing the week
of December 5 as National Computer Science Education Week.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1560,
supporting the increased understanding of, and interest in, computer
science and computing careers among the public, and especially in our
schools, to ensure an ample and diverse future technology workforce
through the designation of National Computer Science Education Week.
Computer science is the study of the theoretical foundations of
information and computation and of practical techniques for their
implementation and application in computer systems. Today, more than
ever, computer science is integral to the functioning
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and growth of our society and economy. Computer science supports the
information technology sector that has become such a large contributor
to the United States' economic output.
The need for diverse participants in the field of computer science
exists more so today than ever before. As the world's dependence on
technology grows, so does the need for individuals with the knowledge
and background to support and advance that technology in all fields of
science.
Computer science education provides an opportunity for students to
enter the field of computer science and exposes them to the
opportunities this important field has to offer. A high-quality
education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics can help
to prepare students for a future in computer science and to master the
skills needed in the 21st century workforce. A computer science
education can provide students with opportunities for future education
and employment in some of the fastest growing industries.
National Computer Science Education Week, to be recognized the week
of December 5, will inform students, teachers, parents, and the public
about the role of computer science in our society and the opportunities
it affords to participants in the field. Today I express my strong
support for National Computer Science Education Week and encourage all
schools, teachers, researchers, and universities to recognize this
occasion.
I support the resolution and ask my colleagues to do the same.
Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. POLIS. I would like to inquire if the gentleman from Pennsylvania
has any further speakers.
Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I was expecting the sponsor of the
resolution. I understand that he is on his way and should be here
momentarily.
I take it the gentleman has no other speakers?
Mr. POLIS. I would like to continue.
I yield myself such time as I may consume, Madam Speaker.
Little is of greater importance to the economic future of our country
than making sure that kids are prepared to enter the workforce of the
future and create the jobs of the future, many of which will either be
in computer science or require skills in computer science. Regardless
of the field, whether it's construction, whether it's education,
whether it's banking, having basic skills in computational technology
as a computer science is absolutely critical for occupational success.
To bring some of the jobs back to America, we need to make sure that we
have the best and brightest and most capable children that are equipped
with the tools they need to prepare the next generation of intellectual
property and software products for consumption across the world.
I have been honored to introduce this resolution recognizing National
Computer Science Education Week with Representative Ehlers, for the
second year, to acknowledge the important contributions of computer
science to our country's economic development and also to emphasize the
need for increased diversity and ensuring that we tap into the great
diversity that composes the American people in preparing for the jobs
of the future.
I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. PLATTS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
I want to commend the gentleman from Colorado along with the
gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers) for their sponsorship of this. We
see issues often in our professional roles but also in our personal
roles, and this area of computer science and education is one that I
have seen as a dad, a parent of a 14-year-old and an 11-year-old, a
sixth grader and an eighth grader. This generation that's coming up now
can't imagine the world without computers. As one of the older
generations, I regularly turn to them for input in how to troubleshoot.
And I think that's what we're trying to help promote here is that
understanding of how integral computer science is to our daily lives,
to our economy, and to our quality of life. And this resolution will
help promote that idea and remind all of our citizens that, if they're
looking for a great opportunity for a career, computer science and
related fields is a wonderful one that's going to be with us for
decades to come and integral to our country's growth and success
economically in the years ahead, as well.
I believe that we're not going to be able to wait for the sponsor, so
I would just conclude by acknowledging Mr. Ehlers, the gentleman from
Michigan's work in this area and his professional work before coming to
the House in this arena and what a great champion he has been for
supporting the importance of education in computer science,
mathematics, engineering, and technology. And he'll be leaving us at
the end of this session, but I know he will continue to be a strong
advocate for education in this field.
With that, Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. POLIS. Certainly, as the gentleman from Pennsylvania mentioned,
we salute Mr. Ehlers' leadership on this issue and certainly hope that
in future sessions we will continue to have strong bipartisan agreement
on this issue. And perhaps if we are both in the next session, the
gentleman from Pennsylvania will join me to continue the tradition of
honoring Computer Science Education Week in future sessions.
Again, the recognition in ensuring that raising the profile of the
importance of computer science is a first step. And I have also
introduced a bill, H.R. 5929, that really enacts what we need to do
with regard to helping improve opportunities for computer science
across the country. It's not simply a matter of kids using technology,
but also a matter of learning the technical computing skills that are
needed for an increasingly complicated workforce and business climate.
Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this
resolution.
Mr. EHLERS. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1560, which
supports the increased understanding of, and interest in, computer
science and computing careers among the public and in schools, and
ensures an ample and diverse future technology workforce through the
designation of National Computer Science Education Week.
The week of December 5 has been chosen as National Computer Science
Education Week to honor the birthday of Grace Murray Hopper, one of the
first female computer scientists. This will mark the second annual
celebration of this important week.
Computing technology and the innovations it yields are transforming
our world and are critical to the global competitiveness of our
economy. However, we are not preparing an adequate and diverse
workforce to meet the ever-growing demand for the information
technology sector, which includes some of the country's most innovative
and successful companies.
While it is very important that students in K-12 are exposed to
computer science, many do not get a chance to learn about it in schools
today. The lack of understanding of computer science and how it fuels
innovation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
disciplines contributes to a lack of interest in computing careers,
especially among women and underrepresented minorities, whose
participation rates in computer science are among the lowest of any
scientific field. By introducing students to computer science at an
early age and providing them with learning experiences in computer
science at all educational levels, we can reverse this trend and expand
and diversify our technology workforce.
I am very pleased that Congressman Polis joined me in introducing
this resolution. Also, I thank Cameron Wilson with the Association for
Computing Machinery and Joel Adams with the Department of Computer
Science at Calvin College for their efforts in raising the awareness
about the importance of computer science education. In addition, I
thank Julia Jester, formerly of my staff, for her help on drafting and
introducing this resolution, as well as for her dedicated service as
the staff director of the STEM Education Caucus.
Please join me in supporting the designation of the second annual
National Computer Science Education Week to raise awareness about these
important issues.
Mr. POLIS. I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Polis) that the House suspend the rules
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1560.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
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