New Jersey Assembly Bill A1839

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Requires school district to report to DOE on various aspects of computer science courses.

Impact

The bill aims to address the significant shortage of individuals with computing skills in New Jersey, where over 15,000 computing jobs remain unfilled. By tracking detailed demographic data related to computer science courses, the state is positioned to improve its workforce by fostering greater participation among females and minorities. This move aligns with broader efforts to ensure that New Jersey remains competitive in the evolving job market, especially in technology-driven sectors.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1839 seeks to enhance the understanding and tracking of computer science education in public schools across New Jersey. The bill mandates that each school district must submit a report annually to the Commissioner of Education detailing various aspects of computer science courses offered, including the number of courses, subjects taught, and demographics of enrolled students. This initiative is intended to close the gap in participation rates among underrepresented groups, particularly women and minorities, in computing fields.

Contention

Despite the positive intentions behind A1839, some stakeholders may express concerns regarding the efficacy and administrative burden associated with the reporting requirements. Educators and school administrators might fear that the added data obligations could detract from their focus on teaching and learning. Balancing the need for comprehensive data collection with the practical realities of educational operations could be a point of discussion as the bill progresses through legislative review.