Goodbye Computer Technology

A long awaited decision was recently made by the Utah School Board of Education (USOE). Utah students are currently required to complete a computer technology course sometime between 9th and 12th grade. After review, the school board voted that charter and public schools should move this course to 8th grade. High schoolers (grades 9-12) will still be required to complete half a credit of a computer course before graduation. This credit will now be called Digital Studies. The course options for this area will be announced in the coming months. This change is required to be made no later than the year 2019. Plans have been made for a smooth transition for all schools to change to this plan. Keyboarding in elementary schools was also discussed, however, it will stay the same until future notice. Mr. Beck, the current Computer Technology teacher, says "They are moving forward the curriculum for students to be prepared for the onslaught of technology career opportunities." Beck will teach the Digital Studies courses at the high school.