Statement Regarding Current Arkansas Legislation that impacts Computer Science

Computer science is not just a career pathway, it's part of every single aspect of our world. How could we let a student graduate high school without access to this basic education? If we do, we're not preparing them for the world which they are entering.

 Everything is a computer.

With the passing of The Computer Science Education Advancement Act of 2021, we became just one of seven states with a Computer Science graduation requirement. Now, 19 other states are considering or voting on a computer science graduation requirement. 

Computer Science is not just programming. It is problem solving, critical thinking, data analysis, logical reasoning, and so much more. As a member of the Computer Science Task Force, we worked diligently to ensure that computer science was represented as much more than “just coding” and that options were made available to ease implementation by our already overburdened schools, hard working teachers and – of course – our students.

Computer science has transformed our world, and Artificial Intelligence will do it again. AI is perhaps the most significant technological advancement in decades, on par with the invention of the computer and the Internet. Advancements in artificial intelligence, powered by advanced computational algorithms, is expected to impact 80% of jobs in the U.S. Every sector of our economy, from agriculture and manufacturing to startups and even main street small businesses will be disrupted,, and we can’t even begin to predict the kinds of new jobs that tomorrow will require. 

A workforce literate in computer science is critical to our national security and national economic security. The impact AI will have on our nation’s defense is profound. According to the GAO, “Artificial Intelligence (AI) is expected to transform all sectors of society, including, according to the Department of Defense (DOD), the very character of war. Failure to adopt and effectively integrate AI technology could hinder national security. As a result, DOD is investing billions of dollars and making organizational changes to integrate AI into their warfighting plans.”

Our national security and national economic security are intrinsically tied to our ability to forge a workforce with basic literacy in computer science. The future really does depend on this.

When it comes to the state’s economic growth, basic computer science skills are needed. Approximately 95% of net new jobs come from companies less than five years old. These companies are tech-enabled entities that serve as the backbone of our state’s economy. 

In this unparalleled moment in human history, we must step-up our commitment to the next generation by ensuring that we equip them with the basic, fundamental skills they’ll need to be successful in a world wrought by accelerated digital transformation. 

Since 2015, Arkansas has trained and certified over 750 high school teachers; over 68% of high schools in Arkansas already have at least one CS certified/endorsed teacher on staff. In addition, the state provides free training to certify existing teachers already within the schools and has made virtual education options available through the Virtual Arkansas High School program. The Arkansas LEARNS Act will further enable creative and scalable solutions to accelerate a school's ability to offer Computer Science and meet the 1-credit hour graduation requirement. 

Already, Computer Science is driving progress you may not have even expected. We’re seeing significant progress in key areas including, the accelerated interest by girls. I am proud to say that there are more 9th grade girls taking CS this year in Arkansas than 10th, 11th, and 12th grade girls combined.The progress is substantial. 

At Forge Institute, we believe that in this modern age of accelerated innovation, computer science is as essential to a high school curriculum as reading and arithmetic. If Arkansas is to continue pushing forward economically, then our state must have the vision to prepare our children – and the generations that follow – for an interconnected, data driven world. Forge Institute supports state legislation that promotes this vision, and we welcome the opportunity to work with the Administration, policymakers and educators to help find workable solutions that address the implementation challenges posed by some of our schools. 

The Computer Science requirement is an excellent starting point. The next steps we take should be made thoughtfully and with exceptional vision. The stakes could not be greater; Arkansas’ future is counting on us. 

Lee Watson

Founder & CEO, Forge Institute

In addition to serving as founder and CEO of the Forge Institute, Lee Watson is a serial entrepreneur who leveraged his expertise to co-found The Venture Center, where he developed an internationally recognized program in Financial Services innovation. As leader of Forge Institute, Lee and his team are accelerating Arkansas’ capability to capitalize on emerging technologies, making him uniquely qualified to share his vision for a forward-thinking Arkansas.