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Utah high school students will soon have more flexibility when it comes to computer science classes.
The state school board voted Friday to allow high school students to replace a required half credit introductory computer class with other computer classes if they choose. It also voted to allow kids to count more advanced computer science classes toward their science class requirements to graduate.
The changes come in response to complaints from some that the currently required computer science class is too basic for many students.
Brenda Hales, state deputy superintendent, said the state office will work with school districts to determine when to put the changes in place.
The decisions are among the first made by the state school board as it discusses revamping the state's high school graduation requirements. The board is considering allowing two routes to high school graduation — one that's similar to current requirements and another that would have students focus their electives on specific goals.
The board voted Friday to continue to study those broader changes in hopes of presenting changes to lawmakers next legislative session.