BECKLEY, W.Va. — West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice has signed legislation requiring students to take computer science classes before graduating high school.

Justice held a ceremonial bill signing Thursday at Cranberry-Prosperity Elementary School in Beckley.

The governor’s office says in a news release West Virginia is the first state to require high school computer science. Justice predicts it will help attract technology companies to the state.

The governor asked for the legislation in his State of the State address.

The bill requires the state Board of Education to adopt a policy detailing computer science instruction by grade level and requires the Department of Education to come up with professional development opportunities to teachers in computer science instruction.

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