Will Governor Perry Listen to Microsoft?

Received this from a teacher in Houston. Read and see how this bill is a problem not just with teachers.


Dear Governor Perry:


I am contacting you to request you to strongly consider a Veto of the recently passed House Bill 3, as it contains provisions (pages 30-31) that would eliminate the High School graduation requirement of a Technology Applications course.



On behalf of the Academic Relations Group at Microsoft Corporation, and in conjunction with discussion with teacher members of the Texas Computer Educators Association (TCEA), I believe that in eliminating this requirement, this bill will:

1. Disserve the students of Texas who will graduate into an intensively competitive job market that will put a premium on technology skills

2. Undermine the competitive ability of Texas businesses who will depend on technology skilled workers to compete with other businesses throughout the world.



The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics continues to project technology-based occupations as among the fastest growing in the next decade. And in the recently revised report from the National Academies, “Rising above the Gathering Storm: Energizing and Employing America for a Brighter Economic Future”, a clear and conclusive case is made for the fundamental need of a technologically educated and proficient workforce.



While I cannot speak to the many other provisions of the bill, I do feel strongly on the potential harm this particular provision can have on the citizens and businesses of Texas and the United States and again encourage you to consider not passing this bill as it stands.



Sincerely,



James K. Pinkelman, Ph.D.

Senior Director of Academic Relations

Microsoft Corporations



THANK YOU MICROSOFT!!!!