Hofmeister commends adoption of computer science standards, says state a national leader

OKLAHOMA CITY (May 3, 2018) – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister today made the following remarks in response to the State Legislature’s passage of Senate Joint Resolution 72, which approves Oklahoma’s academic standards for computer science:

“From a very early age, children are engaging in the world around them and beyond their communities through technology,” she said. “It is imperative that we prepare them not only to be more careful consumers and participants in this digital age, but also to use computing to solve complex problems, as a tool for shaping their world and as a means to pursue their creative vision. Future careers will demand these competencies, and we are proud to do our part now to ensure Oklahoma students are prepared.    

“We are grateful to the members of both chambers, and particularly education chairs Rep. Rhonda Baker and Sen. Gary Stanislawski, for ensuring the approval of these standards in a busy legislative session.”

With this action, Oklahoma joins only nine other states providing expectations for computer science education and is one of just three to do so with grade-specific standards.

Created under the direction of the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE), the standards represent the work of a team of statewide educators from common education, CareerTech, and higher education. Oklahoma schools are encouraged to begin implementing the standards during the 2018-19 school year. OSDE will provide support and professional development opportunities before full implementation takes place in the 2019-20 school year.

To see the computer science standards, visit http://sde.ok.gov/sde/computer-science-standards.

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