More than 1,300 sign up for coding classes
LITTLE ROCK — More than 1,300 students have signed up for coding classes under a new state law requiring Arkansas public schools to teach computer science classes, Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced Tuesday.
Hutchinson, a Republican who campaigned last year partly on a vow to expand computer science classes in the state, said the students have signed up for online courses. The state doesn’t have figures on how many students have signed up for in- person computer science classes.
“We’re already exceeding the expectations for the first year with these numbers,” said Hutchinson, who has said he wants that number to reach 6,000 a year within four years. “We pushed to get it started this year because we knew how important it is.”
Hutchinson also announced that more than 130 teachers from all over the state have received training and professional development to teach computer science this year, and said 87 schools have applied for grants to help offer the computer science courses.
Hutchinson said the state in partnership with the AT& T Foundation, Clinton Foundation and Arkansas STEM Coalition will offer hourlong coding classes at the Clinton Presidential Center for students on Saturday morning.
Hutchinson said he planned to attend the coding events.
“It is a great opportunity for young people to come and see their governor stumble around on an hour of code,” Hutchinson said.