State Superintendent Tony Thurmond applauded the recent adoption of California’s Computer Science Strategic Implementation Plan by the State Board of Education, stating that it’s a critical step in preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow.

“This guidance document will help districts and schools implement California’s recently-adopted Computer Science Standards, so that more students can learn skills to compete in the high-tech workforce in the future,” Thurmond said.

Student participation in computer science courses and employment in computing occupations do not reflect the ethnic demographic makeup of the state of California, Thurmond said.

Students enrolled in computer science courses are also disproportionately male.

California’s Computer Science Strategic Implementation Plan was developed by a panel of teachers, administrators, higher education faculty, parents, members of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, CDE’s Instructional Quality Commission, representatives from the private sector and a public-school student.

The plan provides guidance to expand computer science offerings and broaden the pool of computer science teachers in California; defines computer science education principles; and ensures that all students have access to quality computer science courses.

Forinformation and to view California’s Computer Science standards, visit cde.ca.gov.