Talent Ready Utah Board Unveils Statewide Master Plan to Expand Access to Computer Science Education
The executive board of Talent Ready Utah released the Utah Computer Science Master Plan, a comprehensive four-year plan designed to meet Gov. Herbert’s goal to ensure every public K-12 student in Utah has the opportunity to learn computer science (CS) by 2022. During the recent legislative session, HB 227 assigned the development of a state master plan that achieves this ambitious outcome to Talent Ready Utah’s board. The development and approval of this statewide master plan is a significant step in Utah’s commitment to ensuring equitable CS learning opportunities and outcomes.
“I appreciate the leadership of the Talent Ready Utah board and the State Board of Education in creating a comprehensive and actionable strategy to offer computer science courses to all K-12 students in Utah,” said Gov. Herbert. “Computer science impacts every industry. Computing jobs are the number one source of new wages in the U.S. and are projected to grow at twice the rate of other jobs. Computer science is a new literacy, and we must ensure that all students across our state have the opportunity to learn and develop the skills needed to create their futures.”
The Utah Computer Science Master Plan was developed through a generous grant from the Pluralsight One Fund and the support, input and engagement of subject matter experts and stakeholders across industry sectors, including members of the Talent Ready CS Committee. Utah will be the 12th state in the nation to develop and implement a statewide CS plan. The depth of Utah’s plan marks a significant moment for the state of Utah as well as for other states looking for a path to improved student outcomes and teacher readiness around this critical subject.
“Computer science is now a foundational literacy that is critical to preparing Utah students to succeed in our technology-driven world,” said Aaron Skonnard, CEO of Pluralsight and co-founder of Silicon Slopes and member of the executive board of Talent Ready Utah. “Every school in Utah must teach computer science, and every student must have equality of opportunity to learn computer science regardless of whether they pursue a career in technology. With the approval of our state master plan, we now have a roadmap to achieve that outcome, and we are one step closer to delivering on Gov. Herbert’s goal of ensuring every K-12 student in Utah has the opportunity to learn computer science by 2022.”
The Utah Computer Science Master Plan is relevant to all stakeholders wishing to advance statewide CS outcomes. It charts a path to focused, strategic and needs-based action to be implemented by the Utah State Department of Education.
“The Utah Computer Science Plan identifies key needs, strategies and target outcomes across six essential categories that uplift the education system and its successful and equitable integration of computer science,” said Sydnee Dickson, state superintendent of public instruction. “The Board of Education is committed to increasing enriching, high-quality computer science learning opportunities for students across grade levels. Likewise, we are committed to building long-term and sustainable capacity within our local education agencies while prioritizing professional development opportunities for our educators.”
About the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED)
Under the direction of Gov. Gary R. Herbert, the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) provides resources and support for business creation, growth and recruitment, and drives increased tourism and film production in Utah. Talent Ready Utah, an initiative managed by GOED, develops industry and education partnerships to help build Utah’s workforce. Utilizing state resources and private sector contracts, GOED administers programs in economic areas that demonstrate the highest potential for development. Learn more at business.utah.gov or by calling (801) 538-8680.