IV 

111TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION H. RES. 558 

Supporting the increased understanding of, and interest in, computer science 

and computing careers among the public and in schools, and to ensure 

an ample and diverse future technology workforce through the designation of National Computer Science Education Week. 

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

JUNE 18, 2009 

Mr. EHLERS (for himself and Mr. POLIS of Colorado) submitted the following 

resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Science and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Labor, for 

a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for 

consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned 

RESOLUTION 

Supporting the increased understanding of, and interest in, 

computer science and computing careers among the public and in schools, and to ensure an ample and diverse 

future technology workforce through the designation of 

National Computer Science Education Week. 

Whereas computing technology has become an integral part 

of culture and is transforming how people interact with 

each other and the world around them; 

Whereas computer science is transforming industry, creating 

new fields of commerce, driving innovation in all fields of 


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science, and bolstering productivity in established economic sectors; 

Whereas the field of computer science underpins the information technology sector of our economy, which is a significant contributor to United States economic output; 

Whereas the information technology sector is uniquely positioned to help with economic recovery through the research and development of new innovations; 

Whereas National Computer Science Education Week can inform students, teachers, parents, and the general public 

about the crucial role that computer science plays in 

transforming our society and how computer science enables innovation in all science, technology, engineering, 

and mathematics disciplines and creates economic opportunities; 

Whereas providing students the chance to participate in highquality computer science activities, including through 

science scholarships, exposes them to the rich opportunities the field offers and provides critical thinking skills 

that will serve them throughout their lives; 

Whereas all students deserve a thorough preparation in 

science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, including computer science, at the elementary and 

secondary levels of education; 

Whereas these subjects provide the critical foundation to 

master the skills demanded by our 21st century workforce; 

Whereas computer science education has a number of challenges to address, including distinguishing computer 

science from technology literacy, providing adequate professional development for computer science teachers, exVerDate Nov 24 2008 03:53 Jun 19, 2009 Jkt 079200 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\HR558.IH HR558

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posing K–12 students to computer science concepts, and 

attracting more participation by females and underrepresented minorities to the field; 

Whereas Grace Murray Hopper, one of the first females in 

the field of computer science, engineered new programming languages and pioneered standards for computer 

systems which laid the foundation for many advancements in computer science; and 

Whereas the week of December 7, in honor of Grace Hopper’s birthday, is designated as ‘‘National Computer 

Science Education Week’’: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved, That the House of Representatives— 

2 (1) supports the designation of National Com3 puter Science Education Week; 

4 (2) encourages schools, teachers, researchers, 

5 universities, and policymakers to identify mecha6 nisms for teachers to receive cutting edge profes7 sional development to provide sustainable learning 

8 experiences in computer science at all educational 

9 levels and encourage students to be exposed to com10 puter science concepts; 

11 (3) encourages opportunities, including through 

12 existing programs, for females and underrepresented 

13 minorities in computer science; and 


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1 (4) supports research in computer science to 

2 address what would motivate increased participation 

3 in this field. 

Æ 


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