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Missouri Governor Signs STEM Education & Science Bill

  • November 01, 2018

Missouri Governor Mike Parson recently signed into law House Bill 3 (HB 3), a STEM education and computer science bill, which was passed during a special session of the Missouri legislator in September. HB 3 deals with computer science, expanding course opportunities for high school students, creating a certification process for teachers, establishing a fund for any future public and private financial support, and developing curriculum standards.

“Improving our workforce is a top priority with this administration, and in order to help move Missouri forward, we need to expand opportunities for our students,” said Governor Parson. “Missouri currently has a high demand in this field, and by signing this bill, our students will be able to get the proper training to succeed in computing jobs.”

The bill will allow a computer science credit to count toward a math, science or practical arts credit required for high school graduation, and will devote state resources to raising awareness of STEM careers. Local business and technology groups, including the KC Tech Council and Greater Missouri Chamber of Commerce, backed a change to the state’s computer science curriculum. Tech companies from outside Missouri, including Apple and Amazon, also supported STEM education legislation in the state.

“We live and work in a world in which technology is increasingly pervasive,” said Dr. Scott Dill, Superintendent, Poplar Bluff School District. “We owe it to our students to provide opportunities to explore and learn about this burgeoning field through the application of an online delivery system. By promoting unfettered access to this vital curriculum, we ensure that all students have the tools requisite to their future personal success as well as safeguarding the economic stability of our community, the region, and the state.”

For more information on why Missouri could be a prime location to launch or grow your business, contact Steve Johnson, CEO of Missouri Partnership, at 314.725.2688 or via our contact form, with any questions you might have, and learn how Missouri Partnership can help with your business expansion and investment needs.

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