Hutchinson: Computer science key to jobs

SPRINGDALE - Asa Hutchinson wants computer science to be taught in all Arkansas public high schools.

And if elected governor, the Republican candidate said he’ll work with the state Legislature to pass a law so computer-science courses count toward core high school graduation credit in math or science.

On Monday, Hutchinson unveiled what he said is a plan to make Arkansas a national leader in technology education and job creation, with the two goals as its key elements.

Currently, computer science is taught in only about 10 of Arkansas’ 350 high schools, Hutchinson said. Nationwide, the ratio is about one of 10 high schools, he said.

Schools in Arkansas don’t offer computer science because it is not a core credit course, and when it is offered few students participate because they don’t receive math or science credit, Hutchinson said.

Only 17 states allow computer-science credit to be counted toward graduation in the math or science fields, he said.

By 2020, there will be 1.4 million jobs in the computing field in the U.S. and a shortage of people to do those jobs, he said.

“The good news for Arkansas is our nation is behind, so Arkansas really has the opportunity to be at the forefront of the computer-science field,” Hutchinson said at a news conference at the Springdale School District administration building.

“Learning to code is one of the best paths to entrepreneurship as you can start a profitable business with little or no up-front capital,” Hutchinson said in a news release Monday. “While millions of Americans are unemployed, the nation suffers from a severe shortage of people who can write computer software. This skill set is in demand not just in the tech sector, but in banking, entertainment, medicine and virtually every area.”

Hutchinson said he estimates that the cost of full implementation of his proposal to be less than $1 million. High schools won’t have to hire new teachers, he said. They can train math or science teachers to teach computer science. That training could take two years and eventually could be done through Arkansas colleges, he said.

Under Hutchinson’s plan, computer-science courses would include topics such as analyzing data, coding, programming, Web design, robotics, security issues and algorithmic applications.

Hutchinson said his top priorities are economic growth and job creation.

Nationally, only 2 percent of students study computer programming, according to a Feb. 26 article in USA Today that Hutchinson cited Monday. If that’s tripled to 6 percent, the gap between students and jobs would close, driving $500 billion in economic value to the country, he said.

Hutchinson said he got the idea for the expansion of computer-science classes from his son-in-law, David Wengel of Little Rock, who works in the technology field. Hutchinson said his granddaughter, Ella Beth Wengel, 11, did the computer coding for his mobile application, Asa for Arkansas, through ibuildapp.com.

Patrick Burgwinkle, spokesman for the Democratic Party of Arkansas, released a statement Monday afternoon saying that while in Congress, Hutchinson voted against funding for science education, Pell grants and reducing classroom size.

“Hutchinson is a career politician whose anti-education record is clear,” said Burgwinkle. “Hutchinson’s record on education is one of voting against a modern science education for students, against making college more affordable for working families and against smaller classrooms for students and teachers.”

In the news release, Hutchinson noted that under his proposal, computer science wouldn’t be a requirement for all high schools students. But it should be available to those who want to study in that field, he said.

The primary election will be May 20 and the general election Nov. 4.

Arkansas, Pages 10 on 01/15/2014

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