CSTA is now advocating for improvements to computer science education in many states and members of the CSTA Computer Science Advocacy and Leadership Team (CSALT) such as Steve Svetlik of Illinois have been instrumental in these efforts, working with legislators and testifying on key legislation.
This week, Steve and IL representative Ken Dunklin testified before the IL House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee on House Bill 3695. If it passes, this legislation will allow students to count an Advanced Placement computer science course as one of the three mathematics credits required for a high school diploma. Attendees at the event report that Steve was an excellent speaker and the committee members were clearly impressed with his knowledge.
Not only did the committee unanimously approve the proposed legislation, but all of the committee members asked to be added as co-sponsors!
After his time before the Committee, Steve walked around the building, talking with additional legislators and getting them to sign up as sponsors as well.
Other CSTA members in IL also played a role in CSTA’s advocacy efforts. Jessica Handy, Government Affairs Director for Stand for Children Illinois, reported that 33 witness slips were filed in support of this legislation.
HB 3695 will now go forward to the House and is expected to be called to the floor within the next couple of weeks.
Congratulations to Steve and thanks to Rep. Dunkin, Amy of Code.org, and Jessica of Stand for Children and to all of the CSTA members who made this accomplishment possible.
Chris Stephenson
CSTA Executive Director