Why computer science in K-12

Generic presentation to convince your school, district or state that computer science is important to teach in grades K-12

1. Computers and software are changing everything…
2. …but the majority of schools don’t teach computer science: Source: Gallup 90% parents want their child to study computer science 40% of schools teach computer programming
3. Source: Change the Equation And students enjoy computer science and the arts the most
4. Our students should learn to code… Some may think:
5. Our students should learn to code… Our schools should teach computer science
6. Computer science education is on the rise… Some may think:
7. Computer science education is on the rise… Computer science education is recovering from a 10-year decline
8. 0 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 30,000 35,000 40,000 45,000 50,000 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 FEMALE MALE Source: National Science Foundation, National Center for Education Statistics Computer science graduates are on the rise again, but women are still underrepresented
9. Computer science is just about learning technology Some may think:
10. Computer science is just about learning technology Computer science is about logic, problem solving, and creativity Some may think:
13. Computer science is vocational Some may think:
14. Computer science is vocational Computer science is foundational Some may think:
15. Technology affects every field:
16. Just like they learn about the digestive system, photosynthesis, or electricity. Every 21st century student should have a chance to learn about algorithms, how to make apps, or how the internet works.
17. The tech industry is desperately trying to hire computer programmers in California Some may think:
18. The tech every industry is desperately trying to hire computer programmers in California everywhere
20. Source: Brookings The value of a computer science education
21. 500,000 current openings: These jobs are in every industry and every state, and they’re projected to grow at twice the rate of all other jobs. Computing jobs are the #1 source of new wages in the United States
22. This problem is about “STEM” (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)… Some may think:
23. Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center for Education Statistics 58% of all new jobs in STEM are in computing 8% of STEM graduates are in computer science The STEM problem is in computer science:
24. K-12 computer science University computer science Software workforce Tech’s diversity problem starts in K-12 CS Women who try AP Computer Science in high school are ten times more likely to major in it in college, and Black and Hispanic students are seven times more likely. Sources: College Board, National Center for Education Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics
25. Our state policies can help fix this picture…
26. Only 12 states have created K-12 computer science standards. Momentum is building, but we still have a long way to go. The state of K-12 computer science standards States with K-12 CS standards States without K-12 CS standards
27. In 34 states plus DC, computer science can count towards high school graduation math or science requirements - up from 12 states in 2013. CS can count for graduation in 34 states + DC Computer science counts statewide Computer science can count (school decides) Computer science is an elective
28. Underrepresented minorities taking an AP CS exam Female students taking an AP CS exam 2007 2017 2007 2017 And, in schools that teach computer science, enrollment is through the roof…
29. Source: Gallup 90% parents want their child to study computer science 40% of schools teach computer programming But fundamentally, this is the picture we need to solve: