Gov. Snyder will propose what he will call a ‘Marshall Plan for Talent’ in Michigan to teach more students the skills necessary for the high-tech jobs that are out there.
One key problem: not enough teachers for computer science and other so-called ‘stem’ areas.
Snyder is reportedly getting ready to ask state lawmakers for more funding for educational efforts from grade school to the university level. Before entering politics, Snyder was chief executive of Gateway Computer.
Michigan this year eliminated the requirement for teacher certification for computer science classes. Teachers can show evidence of relevant experience to get a job in the classroom.
According to state figures, only 11 percent of all schools in Michigan have a computer teacher.
One of Snyder’s ideas is to treat computer science classes as a foreign language, to get more students into such classes.