Reps. Zemke, Schor, LaVoy, Abed, Brinks, Darany, Lamonte, Dillon, Geiss, Hovey-Wright, Slavens, Singh, Irwin, Santana, Haugh, Yanez, Faris, Smiley, Brunner, Driskell, Stallworth, Yonker, Callton, Tlaib, Talabi, Durhal, Townsend, Greimel, Rutledge, Banks, Olumba, Kelly, Pagel, Zorn, McBroom, Muxlow, Kosowski, Switalski, Kivela, McCready, Knezek, VerHeulen, LaFontaine, Brown, Heise, Kowall, Poleski, Roberts, Segal and Stanley offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 269.

            A resolution to declare December 9-15, 2013, as Computer Science Education Week in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, The state of Michigan is committed to educating its citizens about computer science, a subject that is transforming how people interact with each other and the world around them; and

            Whereas, National Computer Science Education Week will bolster the knowledge that students, teachers, parents, and the general public have about this burgeoning industry and give interest to future generations who will adapt to this change in our society; and

            Whereas, An estimated 1.4 million computing-related jobs will be available by the year 2020 according to the United States Department of Labor; and

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

Whereas, Giving students the opportunity to participate in computer science activities generates an interest in technology and provides them with critical thinking skills that will serve them throughout their lives; and

            Whereas, With a changing job market primarily shifting to jobs with skills necessary in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, students deserve thorough preparation in order to stay ahead of the curve in the coming years;  and

            Whereas, Computer science education has challenges to address, including counting computer science classes towards high school graduation requirements and providing professional development for computer science teachers; and

            Whereas, The field of computer science has significant equity barriers to address, including attracting more participation by females and underrepresented minorities to all levels and branches; and

            Whereas, Declaring the week of December 9-15, 2013, Computer Science Education Week will honor the birthday of trailblazer Grace Murray Hopper, who was one of the first females in the field of computer science and a pioneer in computer system standards; now, therefore, be it  

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare December 9-15, 2013, as Computer Science Education Week in the state of Michigan. We encourage schools, educators, parents, and policy makers to support this event by enabling their students to participate in the Hour of Code; and be it further

Resolved, That we support schools, teachers, researchers, universities, business leaders, and policymakers as they identify mechanisms to receive cutting edge professional development to provide sustainable learning experiences in computer science at all educational levels and encourage students to be exposed to computer science concepts; and be it further

Resolved, That we encourage policymakers to remove barriers that prevent computer science classes from being counted as math or science credits toward graduation requirements; and be it further

Resolved, That we encourage increased opportunities, including through existing programs, for females and underrepresented minorities in computer science.