3D printers and computers in Nick Lavender's classroom will be in high demand for upcoming computer science classes. Photo cred: Anna Norris
For all incoming freshmen in the 2024-2025 year, the North Carolina legislation has added a computer science requirement for graduation. This requirement was implemented to provide students with a greater understanding of technology basics. Adding the computer science class not only pushes students to expand their knowledge but involves them in skills necessary for today’s workforce.
Joe Gragg, a teacher in the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department at Watauga, will continue to teach multiple classes that qualify for the computer science requirement. Gragg is one of two teachers who currently teach AP Computer Science Principles.
“Our current digital design and animation class will be replaced with a 3D modeling and animation class next year, which will meet the requirements. That leads into Game Art and Design which is more of what you would expect in a computer science class,” Gragg said. “We also have AP Computer Science Principles where you learn more of the concepts of how a computer works.”
Another member of the CTE department, Nick Lavender, supports the added requirement for new high school students to learn problem-solving skills.
“As society progresses, it's becoming more tech-based. Every year more technology is being developed and I think being able to use the basics of any design program is beneficial,” said Lavender. “Computer science in general teaches the fundamentals of programs such as 3D Studio Max, Photoshop, and Premiere Pro.”
Gragg argues that computer science skills are vital for every job across the globe. Through his time at Watauga, he has seen learning gaps that will soon be diminished with this implementation.
“Every job you’ll ever work, you will have access to a computer and have to use it. These computer skills, even if not just learning logic and complex thinking should be brought back,” said Gragg. “As far as gaps go, the big one I saw coming up from middle school to us now is just students not being accustomed to these types of workstations. They’ve never been exposed to a computer where you have to run a program to do something, instead of just opening up a web browser and going to Google.”
The State Board of Education has discussed potential solutions to make room for the graduation requirement, one being to reduce the number of science credits. However, this was eventually ruled out as most felt that it was necessary to have both science credits. As an alternative, upcoming students will now have one less elective.
Rising freshmen at Watauga High School and other public schools in the state of North Carolina will now have the opportunity to take a selection of beneficial courses in the computer science field.