The Alliance for California Computing Education for Students and Schools (ACCESS) and the Computer Science for California (CSforCA) project invited the top candidates for Governor and Superintendent of Public Instruction to respond to questions related to their agenda for computer science education in California. The questionnaire is intended to be a resource to learn about the candidates’ positions on expanding equity and access to computer science in K12 public education in California and to increase awareness of CS education. We do NOT endorse nor oppose candidates for office.
The questionnaire was created with feedback provided by CSforCA supporters. All candidates have been offered the opportunity to complete a written response. Emails were sent to the campaigns of gubernatorial candidates Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom and John Cox as well as State Superintendent of Public Instruction candidates Tony Thurmond and Marshall Tuck. All candidates were advised that if their responses were received on time, they would be published verbatim (not to exceed 2500 words) on the ACCESS website www.access-ca.org in September 2018. If responses were not received by August 31, 2018, the publication would state “Did Not Respond”.
2018 Gubernatorial Candidate Responses
- Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom – Computer Science Questionnaire Responses
- John Cox – Did Not Respond
2018 State Superintendent of Public Instruction Candidate Responses
- Tony Thurmond – Computer Science Questionnaire Responses
- Marshall Tuck – Computer Science Questionnaire Responses
September is Computer Science Education month in California
This summer, the legislature passed ACR 265, designating September 2018 as California Computer Science Education Month. The measure encourages schools, teachers, researchers, universities, business leaders, and policymakers to support teachers with cutting-edge professional development and to provide sustainable learning experiences in computer science education, encouraging access to opportunities for females and underrepresented students in computer science.
Also this month, the State Board of Education is anticipated to take action on the Instructional Quality Commission’s recommendations for new California K12 Computer Science Standards and CDE staff will provide the Board with an update on the California Computer Science Strategic Implementation Advisory Panel meetings and an overview of the CCSSIP recommendations to broaden the pool of teachers to teach computer science and to ensure that all pupils have access to quality computer science courses.
Please see the latest ACCESS Update for more detailed information.