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