Background for State computer Science Plan
Computer science is driving innovation in almost every sector of the U.S. economy.
Findings show that over 80% of software engineers are currently working remotely full time and working from home is becoming the new normal work arrangement. This presents our Alaska students with tremendous career opportunities with competitive pay while they continue to live and thrive in the communities that they, and many generations before them, grew up in.
Alaska’s Education Challenge identified increasing career, technical, and culturally relevant education to meet student and workforce needs as one of its five strategic priorities. Computer Science education in K-12 is an essential part of this strategic priority.
In July 2022, Governor Mike Dunleavy and 49 other U.S. governors signed on to the Governors’ Compact to Expand K-12 Computer Science Education. The governors committed to: 1. Increase the number of high schools offering computer science courses; 2. Allocate state funding to K-12 computer science education; 3. Create pathways to postsecondary success in computing and related careers; and 4. Provide equitable access to computer science for all students.
A state plan is invaluable for strategically thinking through complex computer science policies and program implementations. A well-designed state plan provides coherence to the overall computer science expansion effort, links individual policy with consistent purposes, and ensures an organized approach to all program implementations.
The Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) completed the initial draft of the Alaska Computer Science State Plan in December 2022.
The Alaska Computer Science State Plan Review Committee comprised of representatives from school districts, school administrators, State Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, computer science teachers, postsecondary computer science and education programs, indigenous education organizations, computer science staff development agencies, and other computer science support groups in the state.
