Relating to the essential knowledge and skills of the technology applications curriculum for public school students.
The bill amends Section 28.002 of the Education Code, emphasizing the importance of technology literacy in education. By integrating coding into the curriculum, the Texas State Board of Education is expected to review and revise the essential knowledge and skills pertaining to technology applications by December 31, 2022. This initiative is positioned as a forward-thinking approach to prepare students for future job markets and academic pursuits in technology and related fields.
House Bill 2769 aims to enhance the technology applications curriculum within public schools in Texas by mandating the inclusion of coding for video games in the essential knowledge and skills framework for students from kindergarten through grade 12. This legislative move seeks to equip students with relevant technology skills in a rapidly evolving digital landscape, promoting a foundational understanding of coding, particularly in the context of video game creation.
While proponents of HB2769 argue that the inclusion of coding for video games will foster creativity and technical prowess among students, critics could raise concerns about the challenges of implementing such curriculum changes across diverse educational settings. This could include issues related to resource allocation, teacher training, and curriculum standardization. Moreover, balancing this new focus within an already packed curriculum may lead to debates about prioritizing subjects and ensuring comprehensive educational experiences.
The bill was read for the third time on May 14, 2021, and passed with a count of 91 yeas to 52 nays. This demonstrates a significant level of support, particularly among those who value innovation in education as a means to better prepare students for a technologically driven future. However, the presence of dissenting votes indicates ongoing discussions and disagreements regarding education policy and funding priorities.