FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 6, 2019
CONTACTS:
Marissa Perry, Deputy Communications Director, Governor’s Office, 406-444-4514
Dylan Klapmeier, Communications Director, OPI, 406-444-3559
Governor Bullock, Superintendent Arntzen Encourage Schools to Offer Computer Science
HELENA – Governor Bullock and Superintendent Arntzen issued a letter this week encouraging district superintendents and school boards in Montana to use existing flexibility in current regulations to offer students courses in computer science and programming to fulfill graduation requirements. Skills in computer science and technology are rapidly becoming key to increasing opportunities for all Montanans.
The below links describe ways in which local school districts can utilize computer science courses to help their students graduate with skills to promote post-secondary success. They also describe free professional development opportunities for educators through programs such as Microsoft’s Technology Education and Literacy in Schools (TEALS).
“More and more jobs require workers to have at least some level of basic technology literacy and proficiency, and computer science occupations are high wage and in high demand across Montana. By recognizing the value of computer science classes in their graduation requirements, local school districts can encourage students to explore this career pathway.”-Governor Steve Bullock
“Professional development for educators is crucial to preparing Montana students for success. I want to thank Microsoft for partnering with Montana schools to provide resources that will expand classroom learning opportunities. I encourage school leaders to implement computer science courses to prepare our students for success in Montana’s growing technology industries.”-State Superintendent Elsie Arntzen
“Helping more students learn computer science is crucial to filling the jobs of tomorrow. We applaud Governor Bullock and Superintendent Arntzen for their leadership to help Montana’s schools create opportunities for students to develop computer science skills. Microsoft looks forward to partnering with Montana’s educators to provide students with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to be ready for the career opportunities created by our digital economy.”- Fred Humphries, Corporate Vice President of U.S. Government Affairs at Microsoft
Additional information about Montana’s standards and the upcoming webinar can be found on the OPI’s website at these links:
http://opi.mt.gov/Educators/Teaching-Learning/K-12-Content-Standards-Revision/Technology-Standards
http://mtplportal.org/event/technology-education-and-literacy-in-schools-webinar/