"Quality Basic Education Act,"; beginning in the 2031-2032 school year, a computer science course shall be a high school graduation requirement; provide
The bill mandates that each local school system in Georgia must offer computer science courses in a phased approach, starting with at least one high school in the 2022-2023 school year and eventually requiring all high schools to offer such courses. Additionally, middle schools will provide exploratory computer science instruction. This curricular emphasis could significantly alter the landscape of education in Georgia, ensuring that students are better prepared for the demands of contemporary and future job markets wherein technological competence is increasingly critical.
Senate Bill 249, known as the Quality Basic Education Act, seeks to enhance computer science education by making it a mandatory graduation requirement for high school students in Georgia starting from the 2031-2032 school year. The bill acknowledges the pressing need for computer science skills in the modern workforce, as evidenced by the low percentage of high school graduates who currently take computer science courses, and the abundance of unfilled technology jobs in the state. It aims to equip students not only with coding skills but also with the logical thinking abilities essential for various professions as technology progresses.
While supporters of SB249 champion the importance of equipping students with necessary skills for the future, there may be concerns regarding the implementation of this requirement. Some stakeholders might argue that the transition could strain resources in underfunded school districts, potentially leading to disparities in access to quality computer science education. In addition, questions around whether sufficient trained teachers will be available to fulfill the new requirements persist, as professional development for teachers is also included in the bill provisions, which may pose logistical challenges in execution.