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Critic Says NYC Mayor’s ‘Computer Science for All’ Program Isn’t Doing Enough

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., calls for an increase in funding and the number of hours mandated for learning.

(TNS) — Mayor de Blasio's heavily hyped Computer Science For All program isn't doing enough to lift up needy city classrooms, a report from Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. charges.

De Blasio announced the plan to bring computer science lessons to all city students by 2025 with a flashy speech and presentation three years ago, but Diaz says it could use improvement.

His report calls on the city Education Department to increase the required hours of computer science education lessons mandated for public schools, provide adequate funding to execute the plans and tweak the curriculum to provide for more student-led and interdisciplinary classes.

"The city's 'Computer Science for All' program just does not provide students with enough classroom time in computer science, especially given the importance of this subject to our children's future learning and earning potential," Diaz said.

"If we are to prepare our students for an ever-changing economy, we have to do more to expose them to a robust computer science curriculum at all levels," he added. "Current options do not go far enough."

Education Department spokeswoman Danielle Filson said the city is implementing the majority of the recommendations cited in the Diaz report.

"We'll continue to work with Borough President Diaz Jr. as we make Computer Science for All a reality across all five boroughs," Filson said.

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